The Queen has released her message to the Commonwealth.

The annual statement addresses the two billion citizens around the globe who make up the organisation.

Her majesty says she believes the Commonwealth's success comes from not only shared values . . but also principles and practices of everyday life in the 53 member countries.

Queen Elizabeth say over thousands of years the very basis of community life has been the pooling together by individuals of their resources and skills.

Despite its size and scale, her majesty says the Commonwealth to her remains at heart "a collection of villages"

She goes on to say "In today's difficult and sometimes divided world I believe it is more important than ever to keep trying to respect and understand each other better" and she ends her statement by saying "we are working together to build our future .. . by respecting difference and promoting understanding, that future will be a better one for us all"

The Queen's message to the Commonwealth will be read out at the beginning of tomorrow's (Tues) sitting of the House of Keys