"In 1947, on her 21st birthday, she pledged in a broadcast from Cape Town to the Commonwealth to devote her life, whether it be short, or long, to the service of her peoples.

"That was more than a promise. It was a profound, personal commitment, which defined her whole life. She made sacrifices for duty.

"Her dedication and devotion as sovereign never wavered, through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration and through times of sadness and loss.

"In her life of service, we saw that abiding love of tradition, together with that fearless embrace of progress, which makes us great nations.

"The affection, admiration and respect she inspired became a hallmark of her reign and as every member of my family can testify, she combined these qualities with warmth, humour, and an unerring ability, always, to see the best in people.

"I pay tribute to my mother's memory, and I honour her life of service."