Diversity should be a cause for celebration - that’s the message from the Queen.

Each year, the Queen delivers a message to the Commonwealth countries and this was read out in the House of Keys and Legislative Council on Tuesday.

She said: ’Through exchanging ideas, and seeing life from other perspectives, we grow in understanding and work more collaboratively towards a common future.

’There is a very special value in the insights we gain through the Commonwealth connection. Shared inheritances help us overcome difference so that diversity is a cause for celebration rather than division.’

This would be seen in action at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in London next month, she said, which would bring together ’young people, business and civil society from across the Commonwealth’.

The Lord of Mann, as she is known here, added: ’These gatherings are themselves fine examples of how consensus and commitment can help to create a future that is fairer, more secure, more prosperous and sustainable.’

She also looked ahead to the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia.

’Contributing to the success of the games, alongside athletes and officials, will be thousands of volunteers,’ she said.

’Voluntary effort, by people working as individuals, in groups or through larger associations, is so often what shapes the Commonwealth and all our communities.

’By pledging to serve the common good in new ways, we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to grow in scope and stature, to have an even greater impact on people’s lives, today, and for future generations.’