Golden Jubilee visit to Liverpool, 25 July 2002
Published
I am glad to be in Merseyside, which must be one of the most distinctive and energetic parts of the United Kingdom.
Lord Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for your welcome. It is always a pleasure for Prince Philip and me to visit the North West; and I am glad to be in Merseyside, which must be one of the most distinctive and energetic parts of the United Kingdom.
Indeed the whole region is a powerhouse of creativity, building on a remarkable heritage of innovation. The relationship between Merseyside and Greater Manchester, once tense, is now more confident.
You work together more, whether on the Commonwealth Games or on the bid for Capital of Culture. There will of course always be a certain degree of competition. You enjoy three major orchestras, and a clutch of world-class museums and galleries.
As Liverpool's two great church leaders of the 1980s and nineties knew and preached, "it's better together". I remember travelling in 1977 between your two great Cathedrals, down Hope Street, and seeing how communities can come together. There are I am sure wider lessons to be learned from Liverpool's experience at that time.
The North West embraces more than great cities. Across Cheshire, as I saw yesterday, and across Lancashire and Cumbria, stretch rural communities whose way of life has been essential to the development of both the economy and the character of the North West; and who over the last two years have been buffeted by enormous challenges to both the tourism and farming industries. I look forward to my visits to Lancashire and Cumbria later on.
I can think of no better showcase for the region than this evening's opening of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, the second largest sports event after the Olympics, which I have no doubt will bring great credit to the region, and to all of those who are participating, in whatever form - whether as competitors, spectators, or volunteers - with such enthusiasm.
But above all, I wanted to express my gratitude to all those of you who over many years have offered me much friendship and loyalty. I have been fortunate enough to meet people from so many different backgrounds during my visits.
There is something distinctive here - an honesty, directness, and warmheartedness - which I appreciate. Thank you for inviting us back today.
Related content
The Queen's Jubilees and other milestones
A history of Jubilees
The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message 2021
Stirring examples of courage, commitment and selfless dedication to duty have been demonstrated in every Commonwealth nation and territory.
The Queen's 2020 Commonwealth Day Message
Such a blend of traditions serves to make us stronger, individually and collectively, by providing the ingredients needed for social, political and economic resilience
A speech by The Countess of Wessex celebrating the work of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust
On behalf of the people The Trust has helped thank you to each and every one of you for all your incredible support, and to Your Majesty thank you for choosing to give the...
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018
A Message from Her Majesty The Queen on the opening of the 2017 Commonwealth Science Conference
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the Commonwealth Science Conference in Singapore following the success of the Bangalore Conference in 2014. I am very grateful...
A message from Her Majesty The Queen to the people of Barbados on the 50th Anniversary of Independence
Since you became an independent country in 1966, you have continued to flourish and grow into a strong and confident nation.
A speech by Prince Harry on the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy dedication in St Lucia
On behalf of my grandmother, The Queen, I am grateful to the Government and the people of St. Lucia for this most generous contribution.
Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate 60 years of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
24 November 2016The Queen and Prince Michael of Kent celebrate 125 years of Royal Life Saving Society
22 November 2016The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will give a reception for Team GB and ParalympicsGB medallists
How The Duke of Edinburgh's Award changed my life
The Queen's Commonwealth Day message, 14 March 2016
Being inclusive and accepting diversity goes far deeper than accepting differences at face value and being tolerant.
The Queen's Young Leaders
The Commonwealth
The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message, 10 March 2014
The understanding that we belong together, and are able, through teamwork, to achieve far more than we could do alone, has always been at the heart of our approach.
The Queen's Message to the Athletes
The baton relay represents a calling together of people from every part of the Commonwealth.
Commonwealth Day message 2008
In the Commonwealth, governments, businesses, communities and individuals should each strive to match words and good intentions with deeds. Every contribution has its part to...
Christmas Broadcast 2015
I have been warned I may have Happy Birthday sung to me more than once or twice.
Commonwealth Day message 2007
Despite its size and scale, the Commonwealth to me is still at heart a collection of villages.