Queen pens secret message to Commonwealth and fans won't know what it says until 2022

The Queen's new message won't be unveiled for another nine months

Queen Elizabeth II attends the launch of The Queen's Baton Relay for Birmingham 2022
(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Commonwealth Games Federation / Birmingham 2022)

The Queen shared a rare sneak peek at her message to the Commonwealth, but it will be months before fans hear the full announcement for a significant reason. 

  • Her Majesty has written and signed her message to the Commonwealth as it began its momentous 90,000 mile journey before arriving in Birmingham next year. 
  • Despite showing a glimpse of her powerful message, the Queen’s words will not be made public until the Opening Ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. 
  • This royal news comes as Prince Charles may have to pay £700k rent per year to Prince William

The Queen has written a powerful new message to the Commonwealth, but royal fans will have to be patient to learn what it says as its exact contents are set to remain a secret for the foreseeable future. Having spent the last few months at Balmoral Castle, the Queen has enjoyed her annual summer break with many of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Now she has returned to England and recently wowed fans as she marked Halloween season with her fabulous orange and black outfit for her first major public engagement at Buckingham Palace since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The launch of The Queen’s Baton Relay took place at her principal London residence and for this significant event, the monarch was joined by Prince Edward. Mother and son are Patron and Vice Patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation respectively and it was in honor of the Commonwealth Games 2022 that the monarch placed a secret message inside the baton. 

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex with Dame Louise Martin, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, during the launch of the Queen's Baton Relay

(Image credit: Photo by Victoria Jones - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Taking to the Royal Family’s official Instagram page, the Queen shared a rare behind-the-scenes clip of her signing her new message, beautifully writing simply ‘Elizabeth’. This is a deeply personal sign off and whilst royal fans might be hoping to discover more about the monarch’s tribute to the Commonwealth, it will be many months yet before the full contents are revealed. 

The caption explained, “The Queen signing her message to the Commonwealth, which will be read at the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham next year. Today, the message was placed inside The Queen’s Baton before it began its journey to Birmingham via 72 Commonwealth territories and nations, connecting communities over 90,000 miles.”

And it was a familiar face who led off this remarkable 90,000 mile relay. Paralympic gold medalist and Celebrity MasterChef 2021 winner Kadeena Cox was given the prestigious position of bearing the Queen’s message on the first leg of its journey, after it was carefully sealed inside the baton.  

“🏃🏽‍♀️Paralympian Kadeena Cox left Buckingham Palace as the first Baton bearer of the 294 day relay”, the caption continued. “👑 Her Majesty is Head of the Commonwealth, as well as Patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation. Today she was accompanied by The Earl of Wessex, who is Vice Patron.”

The Queen’s message will now remain sealed for the next nine months and will help connect and bring together so many wonderful territories and nations before its epic journey concludes in July 2022.

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex (Vice-Patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation) and Queen Elizabeth II (Patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation) look on as Kadeena Cox carries The Queen's Baton

(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Following the end of the previous Commonwealth Games, held on Australia’s stunning Gold Coast in 2018, the Queen issued a similarly important message. Here she honoured the bond and spirit of the Commonwealth itself, something which will no doubt be reaffirmed in her latest message. 

“I hope the friendship and concord that brings the spirit of the Commonwealth alive will continue to encourage everyone to strengthen the bonds that unite us all, as we look forward to the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham,” the Queen powerfully declared.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!