Britain's Queen Elizabeth led a royal delegation in observance of Commonwealth Day in London's Westminster Abbey on Monday (March 12).
Dressed in pink, the Queen was accompanied by Prince Philip, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and Sophie, the Countess of Wessex.
The event marked one of the first of her 60th Diamond Jubilee calendar.
In a pre-recorded message, the Queen spoke about the importance of cultural connections in the Commonwealth of Nations.
Formed of 54 sovereign states, the Commonwealth is an intergovernmental organisation consisting mostly of states that were part of the British Empire.
The queen is still head of state for some of them, including Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Canadian singer Rufus Wainwright was amongst a number of performers participating in the celebrations.
Wainwright delivered a soulful rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah".
Mirja Mey, Reuters
