His Majesty The King has urged Commonwealth leaders to turn shared values into practical action, opening the twenty-eighth Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.

Accompanied by The Queen, His Majesty highlighted the Commonwealth’s capacity to bring countries, institutions and communities together to address common challenges.

Young people, climate resilience and greater economic opportunity were central to his address. The King encouraged investment in renewable energy, nature restoration and resilient infrastructure, alongside closer trading relationships that help smaller businesses reach new markets.

He reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s commitment to democracy, human rights, the rule of law and peace, concluding with an appeal to give young people greater confidence in their future.

For the Royal Commonwealth Society ACT, the address offers a timely reminder of the importance of friendship, education and connections between Commonwealth communities.

Read His Majesty’s full opening speech on the Commonwealth Secretariat website.

His Majesty The King, Head of the Commonwealth and Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society. Archive photograph courtesy of the RCS, London.