第一篇：英國女王伊麗莎白二世登基60周年演講稿中英文全文

The Queen's address to Parliament, 20 March 2012 英國女王伊麗莎白二世20日在國會對上下兩院發(fā)表登基60周年(鉆石禧年)演講。女王在演講中承諾，她將繼續(xù)全心服務(wù)于國家。女王當日的演講是慶祝其登基60周年系列活動的重要組成部分，英國首相卡梅倫及工黨、自民黨領(lǐng)袖等政要悉數(shù)到場聆聽。

伊麗莎白二世是英國歷史上繼維多利亞女王之后第二位在位時間超過60年的君主，女王在演講中表示她感到非常榮幸和寬慰。而當女王提及她在位60年間經(jīng)歷了12任英國首相時，全場更是笑聲一片。

在演講中，女王首先肯定了議會作為英國社會不可動搖的基石的作用。她說英國議會在英國歷史和人民生活之中扮演了不可或缺的角色。

女王在致辭中感謝了在位期間她的家人對她的支持，尤其是她的丈夫菲利普親王給予她的陪伴和指引。而作為女王鉆石禧年慶典的一部分，英國王室成員將會代表女王訪問部分英聯(lián)邦國家。女王相信這些訪問將會拉近英聯(lián)邦國家之間的關(guān)系，她以自己的親身經(jīng)驗告訴大家，國與國之間的聯(lián)系更多的是國家的人民之間的聯(lián)系。

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, I am most grateful for your Loyal Addresses and the generous words of the Lord Speaker and Mr.Speaker.This great institution has been at the heart of the country and the lives of our people throughout its history.As Parliamentarians, you share with your forebears a fundamental role in the laws and decisions of your own age.Parliament has survived as an unshakeable cornerstone of our constitution and our way of life.History links monarchs and Parliament, a connecting thread from one period to the next.So, in an era when the regular, worthy rhythm of life is less eye-catching than doing something extraordinary, I am reassured that I am merely the second Sovereign to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.As today, it was my privilege to address you during my Silver and Golden Jubilees.Many of you were present ten years ago and some of you will recall the occasion in 1977.Since my Accession, I have been a regular visitor to the Palace of Westminster and, at the last count, have had the pleasurable duty of treating with twelve Prime Ministers.Over such a period, one can observe that the experience of venerable old age can be a mighty guide but not a prerequisite for success in public office.I am therefore very pleased to be addressing many younger Parliamentarians and also those bringing such a wide range of background and experience to your vital, national work.During these years as your Queen, the support of my family has, across the generations, been beyond measure.Prince Philip is, I believe, well-known for declining compliments of any kind.But throughout he has been a constant strength and guide.He and I are very proud and grateful that The Prince of Wales and other members of our family are travelling on my behalf in this Diamond Jubilee year to visit all the Commonwealth Realms and a number of other Commonwealth countries.These overseas tours are a reminder of our close affinity with the Commonwealth, encompassing about one-third of the world’s population.My own association with the Commonwealth has taught me that the most important contact between nations is usually contact between its peoples.An organisation dedicated to certain values, the Commonwealth has flourished and grown by successfully promoting and protecting that contact.At home, Prince Philip and I will be visiting towns and cities up and down the land.It is my sincere hope that the Diamond Jubilee will be an opportunity for people to come together in a spirit of neighbourliness and celebration of their own communities.We also hope to celebrate the professional and voluntary service given by millions of people across the country who are working for the public good.They are a source of vital support to the welfare and wellbeing of others, often unseen or overlooked.And as we reflect upon public service, let us again be mindful of the remarkable sacrifice and courage of our Armed Forces.Much may indeed have changed these past sixty years but the valour of those who risk their lives for the defence and freedom of us all remains undimmed.The happy relationship I have enjoyed with Parliament has extended well beyond the more than three and a half thousand Bills I have signed into law.I am therefore very touched by the magnificent gift before me, generously subscribed by many of you.Should this beautiful window cause just a little extra colour to shine down upon this ancient place, I should gladly settle for that.We are reminded here of our past, of the continuity of our national story and the virtues of resilience, ingenuity and tolerance which created it.I have been privileged to witness some of that history and, with the support of my family, rededicate myself to the service of our great country and its people now and in the years to come.

第二篇：英國女王伊麗莎白二世登基60周年演講稿(中英文對照)

英國女王伊麗莎白二世登基60周年演講稿（2012年2月6日）

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, 各位上下議院的議員們：

I am most grateful for your Loyal Addresses and the generous words of the Lord Speaker and Mr.Speaker.我非常感謝主議長和議長先生的衷心贊揚。

This great institution has been at the heart of the country and the lives of our people throughout its history.這個偉大的機構(gòu)（議會）已經(jīng)成為國家歷史的心臟和我們民眾生活的生命。

As Parliamentarians, you share with your forebears a fundamental role in the laws and decisions of your own age.作為國會議員，你分享了你的祖先中的一個根本性法律。

Parliament has survived as an unshakeable cornerstone of our constitution and our way of life.議會已經(jīng)成為不可動搖的基石，存在于我們的憲法和生活方式中。

History links monarchs and Parliament, a connecting thread from one period to the next.歷史聯(lián)系著君主和議會，像一根紐帶把一個時代和下一個時代連接起來。

So, in an era when the regular, worthy rhythm of life is less eye-catching than doing something extraordinary, I am reassured that I am merely the second Sovereign to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.所以，在做不平凡事比平常生活更受關(guān)注的時代，我很高興我能成為第二個慶祝鉆禧年的君主。

As today, it was my privilege to address you during my Silver and Golden Jubilees.到今天為止，你們能參加我銀禧和金禧的盛典，我很榮幸。

Many of you were present ten years ago and some of you will recall the occasion in 1977.十年前你們中的很多人也出席了?！久搜葜v稿——英國女王伊麗莎白二世登基60周年演講稿（中英文對照）】名人演講稿——英國女王伊麗莎白二世登基60周年演講稿（中英文對照）。你們中的一些人依然能回憶出1977年的情景。

Since my Accession, I have been a regular visitor to the Palace of Westminster and, at the last count, have had the pleasurable duty of treating with twelve Prime Ministers.我在位期間，我是威斯敏斯特宮的?？?，至今為止，我和12位首相有過愉快的合作。

Over such a period, one can observe that the experience of venerable old age can be a mighty guide but not a prerequisite for success in public office.在這樣一個時代，年長者的經(jīng)驗很管用，但對于擔任公職來說卻不是成功的先決條件。

I am therefore very pleased to be addressing many younger Parliamentarians and also those bringing such a wide range of background and experience to your vital, national work.我也很高興向很多年輕議員提建議，我也把廣泛的背景知識和經(jīng)驗運用到日常國家事務(wù)中。

During these years as your Queen, the support of my family has, across the generations, been beyond measure.當女王的這些年，來自我家庭的幾代人的支持難以衡量。

Prince Philip is, I believe, well-known for declining compliments of any kind.But throughout he has been a constant strength and guide.菲利普親王因為拒絕各種贊揚而出名。但是，他是一個堅定的支持者和向?qū)А?/p>

He and I are very proud and grateful that The Prince of Wales and other members of our family are travelling on my behalf in this Diamond Jubilee year to visit all the Commonwealth Realms and a number of other Commonwealth countries.威爾士王子和其他家人將代表我在鉆禧年出訪所有的英聯(lián)邦王國和部分英聯(lián)邦國家，他和我都感到非常高興和自豪。【名人演講稿——英國女王伊麗莎白二世登基60周年演講稿（中英文對照）】文章名人演講稿——英國女王伊麗莎白二世登基60周年演講稿（中英文對照）出自http://，轉(zhuǎn)載請保留此鏈接！。

These overseas tours are a reminder of our close affinity with the Commonwealth, encompassing about one-third of the world’s population.這些海外行程將使占世界三分之一的人口的聯(lián)邦成員國緊緊聯(lián)系著。

My own association with the Commonwealth has taught me that the most important contact between nations is usually contact between its peoples.我與英聯(lián)邦國家交往的親身經(jīng)歷告訴我國家之間最重要的聯(lián)系通常是人民之間的聯(lián)系。

An organisation dedicated to certain values, the Commonwealth has flourished and grown by successfully promoting and protecting that contact.該機構(gòu)提供固定的價值，鼓勵和保持成員之間的聯(lián)系，促進聯(lián)邦國繁榮和發(fā)展。

At home, Prince Philip and I will be visiting towns and cities up and down the land.在國內(nèi)，菲利普親王和我將會訪問南北方的城市和郡縣。

It is my sincere hope that the Diamond Jubilee will be an opportunity for people to come together in a spirit of neighbourliness and celebration of their own communities.我真誠地希望，鉆禧典禮將成為人們團結(jié)的一個良好契機，傳遞友善的鄰里關(guān)系和他們的社區(qū)價值。

We also hope to celebrate the professional and voluntary service given by millions of people across the country who are working for the public good.我也希望能夠表彰那些在公共領(lǐng)域工作的，來自全國各地自愿提供服務(wù)的數(shù)百萬人民和專家。

They are a source of vital support to the welfare and wellbeing of others, often unseen or overlooked.他們是為公眾福祉提供重要支持的源泉，卻往往被忽視。

And as we reflect upon public service, let us again be mindful of the remarkable sacrifice and courage of our Armed Forces.我們對公共服務(wù)進行思考，讓我們再一次注意到我們軍隊做出的卓越貢獻和勇敢。

Much may indeed have changed these past sixty years but the valour of those who risk their lives for the defence and freedom of us all remains undimmed.在過去的六十年里，許多已經(jīng)改變，但是為了守護國家和我們的自由而獻身的勇氣會永存。【名人演講稿——英國女王伊麗莎白二世登基60周年演講稿（中英文對照）】演講稿http://。

The happy relationship I have enjoyed with Parliament has extended well beyond the more than three and a half thousand Bills I have signed into law.我和議員之間的愉快關(guān)系很好地延續(xù)著已經(jīng)超過我簽署3500份法案的時間。

I am therefore very touched by the magnificent gift before me, generously subscribed by many of you.結(jié)果我收到了非常壯觀的禮物，你們中許多人慷慨地付出了。

Should this beautiful window cause just a little extra colour to shine down upon this ancient place, I should gladly settle for that.如果這扇漂亮的窗戶能為這個古老的地方增添色彩，我將為此感到高興。

We are reminded here of our past, of the continuity of our national story and the virtues of resilience, ingenuity and tolerance which created it.在這里，我們想起過去我們國家的故事，國民的堅韌性、創(chuàng)造力和寬容心。

I have been privileged to witness some of that history and, with the support of my family, rededicate myself to the service of our great country and its people now and in the years to come.我親歷了其中的一些歷史，在我家人的支持下，現(xiàn)在和將來，我將致力于為我們偉大的國家和人民服務(wù)。

第三篇：英國女王伊麗莎白二世登基60周年演講稿

英國女王伊麗莎白二世登基60周年演講稿

（倪寧 譯）

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,各位上下議院的議員們：

I am most grateful for your Loyal Addresses and the generous words of the Lord Speaker and Mr.Speaker.我非常感謝主議長和議長先生的衷心贊揚。

This great institution has been at the heart of the country and the lives of our people throughout its history.這個偉大的機構(gòu)（議會）已經(jīng)成為國家歷史的心臟和我們民眾生活的生命。

As Parliamentarians, you share with your forebears a fundamental role in the laws and decisions of your own age.作為國會議員，你分享了你的祖先中的一個根本性法律。

Parliament has survived as an unshakeable cornerstone of our constitution and our way of life.議會已經(jīng)成為不可動搖的基石，存在于我們的憲法和生活方式中。

History links monarchs and Parliament, a connecting thread from one period to the next.歷史聯(lián)系著君主和議會，像一根紐帶把一個時代和下一個時代連接起來。

So, in an era when the regular, worthy rhythm of life is less eye-catching than doing something extraordinary, I am reassured that I am merely the second Sovereign to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.所以，在做不平凡事比平常生活更受關(guān)注的時代，我很高興我能成為第二個慶祝鉆禧年的君主。

As today, it was my privilege to address you during my Silver and Golden Jubilees.到今天為止，你們能參加我銀禧和金禧的盛典，我很榮幸。

Many of you were present ten years ago and some of you will recall the occasion in 1977.十年前你們中的很多人也出席了。你們中的一些人依然能回憶出1977年的情景。

Since my Accession, I have been a regular visitor to the Palace of Westminster and, at the last count, have had the pleasurable duty of treating with twelve Prime Ministers.我在位期間，我是威斯敏斯特宮的常客，至今為止，我和12位首相有過愉快的合作。Over such a period, one can observe that the experience of venerable old age can be a mighty guide but not a prerequisite for success in public office.在這樣一個時代，年長者的經(jīng)驗很管用，但對于擔任公職來說卻不是成功的先決條件。I am therefore very pleased to be addressing many younger Parliamentarians and also those bringing such a wide range of background and experience to your vital, national work.我也很高興向很多年輕議員提建議，我也把廣泛的背景知識和經(jīng)驗運用到日常國家事務(wù)中。During these years as your Queen, the support of my family has, across the generations, been beyond measure.當女王的這些年，來自我家庭的幾代人的支持難以衡量。

Prince Philip is, I believe, well-known for declining compliments of any kind.But throughout he has been a constant strength and guide.菲利普親王因為拒絕各種贊揚而出名。但是，他是一個堅定的支持者和向?qū)А?/p>

He and I are very proud and grateful that The Prince of Wales and other members of our family are travelling on my behalf in this Diamond Jubilee year to visit all the Commonwealth Realms and a number of other Commonwealth countries.威爾士王子和其他家人將代表我在鉆禧年出訪所有的英聯(lián)邦王國和部分英聯(lián)邦國家，他和我都感到非常高興和自豪。

These overseas tours are a reminder of our close affinity with the Commonwealth, encompassing about one-third of the world’s population.這些海外行程將使占世界三分之一的人口的聯(lián)邦成員國緊緊聯(lián)系著。

My own association with the Commonwealth has taught me that the most important contact between nations is usually contact between its peoples.我與英聯(lián)邦國家交往的親身經(jīng)歷告訴我國家之間最重要的聯(lián)系通常是人民之間的聯(lián)系。An organisation dedicated to certain values, the Commonwealth has flourished and grown by successfully promoting and protecting that contact.該機構(gòu)提供固定的價值，鼓勵和保持成員之間的聯(lián)系，促進聯(lián)邦國繁榮和發(fā)展。

At home, Prince Philip and I will be visiting towns and cities up and down the land.在國內(nèi)，菲利普親王和我將會訪問南北方的城市和郡縣。

It is my sincere hope that the Diamond Jubilee will be an opportunity for people to come together in a spirit of neighbourliness and celebration of their own communities.我真誠地希望，鉆禧典禮將成為人們團結(jié)的一個良好契機，傳遞友善的鄰里關(guān)系和他們的社區(qū)價值。

We also hope to celebrate the professional and voluntary service given by millions of people across the country who are working for the public good.我也希望能夠表彰那些在公共領(lǐng)域工作的，來自全國各地自愿提供服務(wù)的數(shù)百萬人民和專家。

They are a source of vital support to the welfare and wellbeing of others, often unseen or overlooked.他們是為公眾福祉提供重要支持的源泉，卻往往被忽視。

And as we reflect upon public service, let us again be mindful of the remarkable sacrifice and courage of our Armed Forces.我們對公共服務(wù)進行思考，讓我們再一次注意到我們軍隊做出的卓越貢獻和勇敢。

Much may indeed have changed these past sixty years but the valour of those who risk their lives for the defence and freedom of us all remains undimmed.在過去的六十年里，許多已經(jīng)改變，但是為了守護國家和我們的自由而獻身的勇氣會永存。The happy relationship I have enjoyed with Parliament has extended well beyond the more than three and a half thousand Bills I have signed into law.我和議員之間的愉快關(guān)系很好地延續(xù)著已經(jīng)超過我簽署3500份法案的時間。

I am therefore very touched by the magnificent gift before me, generously subscribed by many of you.結(jié)果我收到了非常壯觀的禮物，你們中許多人慷慨地付出了。

Should this beautiful window cause just a little extra colour to shine down upon this ancient place, I should gladly settle for that.如果這扇漂亮的窗戶能為這個古老的地方增添色彩，我將為此感到高興。

We are reminded here of our past, of the continuity of our national story and the virtues of resilience, ingenuity and tolerance which created it.在這里，我們想起過去我們國家的故事，國民的堅韌性、創(chuàng)造力和寬容心。

I have been privileged to witness some of that history and, with the support of my family, rededicate myself to the service of our great country and its people now and in the years to come.我親歷了其中的一些歷史，在我家人的支持下，現(xiàn)在和將來，我將致力于為我們偉大的國家和人民服務(wù)。

第四篇：(中英雙語對照)英國女王伊麗莎白二世登基60周年(鉆石慶典)演講

（中英雙語對照）英國女王伊麗莎白二世登基60周年（鉆石慶典）演講

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,各位上下議院的議員們：

I am most grateful for your Loyal Addresses and the generous words of the Lord Speaker and Mr.Speaker.感謝議長、各位議員和主持人對我的溢美之詞。

This great institution has been at the heart of the country and the lives of our people throughout its history.議會始終是國家的心臟，人民的命脈。

As Parliamentarians, you share with your forebears a fundamental role in the laws and decisions of your own age.作為國會議員，你們與祖先們一道在自己的法則和決策中扮演著舉足輕重的角色。Parliament has survived as an unshakeable cornerstone of our constitution and our way of life.議會已成為我們憲法和生活中不可撼動的基石。

History links monarchs and Parliament, a connecting thread from one period to the next.歷史將君主和議會緊緊相連，一脈相傳。

So, in an era when the regular, worthy rhythm of life is less eye-catching than doing something extraordinary, I am reassured that I am merely the second Sovereign to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.所以，活在當下，單調(diào)的富足日子并不如非凡的新奇生活精彩，我很欣慰能成為第二個舉辦鉆石慶典的君主。

As today, it was my privilege to address you during my Silver and Golden Jubilees.即使在今天，我仍深感榮幸曾在25周年和50周年慶典上為大家致辭。

Many of you were present ten years ago and some of you will recall the occasion in 1977.你們中很多人要回顧到10年前，恐怕有些人還要回顧到1977年的場景。

Since my Accession, I have been a regular visitor to the Palace of Westminster and, at the last count, have had the pleasurable duty of treating with twelve Prime Ministers.自繼任以來，我就是威斯敏斯特宮的?？?，細細數(shù)來，我曾在這兒先后與12位首相愉快共事。

Over such a period, one can observe that the experience of venerable old age can be a mighty guide but not a prerequisite for success in public office.那段時光足以證明：年長者豐富的閱歷或許能為國事建言獻策，但卻非成功打理國事的先決條件。I am therefore very pleased to be addressing many younger Parliamentarians and also those bringing such a wide range of background and experience to your vital, national work.因此我非常樂意同許多年輕議員共同探討，這也能為那些重要的、關(guān)乎國家的工作提供開闊的局勢和多方的經(jīng)驗。

During these years as your Queen, the support of my family has, across the generations, been beyond measure.出任女王的歲月里，來自家人的支持，代代相傳、源源不斷。

Prince Philip is, I believe, well-known for declining compliments of any kind.But throughout he has been a constant strength and guide.菲利普親王，以拒絕所有褒揚之辭得名，但他一直不失為力量支柱和引航燈塔。

He and I are very proud and grateful that The Prince of Wales and other members of our family are travelling on my behalf in this Diamond Jubilee year to visit all the Commonwealth Realms and a number of other Commonwealth countries.他和我都非常感謝查爾斯王子和我們家族的其他皇室成員在60周年之際代我出訪了所有的英聯(lián)邦王國和許多英聯(lián)邦國家。

These overseas tours are a reminder of our close affinity with the Commonwealth, encompassing about one-third of the world’s population.這些海外之行都彰顯了我們與有著近1/3世界人口的英聯(lián)邦之間密切的聯(lián)系。

My own association with the Commonwealth has taught me that the most important contact between nations is usually contact between its peoples.我與英聯(lián)邦之間的經(jīng)歷讓我更加明白國家間的重要聯(lián)系實則在于人民間的密切聯(lián)系。

An organization dedicated to certain values, the Commonwealth has flourished and grown by successfully promoting and protecting that contact.作為不斷實現(xiàn)自我價值的機構(gòu)，英聯(lián)邦的茁壯成長得益于鼓勵和保護這種密切聯(lián)系。

At home, Prince Philip and I will be visiting towns and cities up and down the land.在國內(nèi)，我和菲利普將四處走訪一些郡縣。

It is my sincere hope that the Diamond Jubilee will be an opportunity for people to come together in a spirit of neighbourliness and celebration of their own communities.我真心希望以這次慶典為契機，大家齊聚一堂，作到天涯若比鄰，同時也為自己的社區(qū)慶祝。

We also hope to celebrate the professional and voluntary service given by millions of people across the country who are working for the public good.我們也希望感謝那些專業(yè)和志愿服務(wù)，這是全國上下數(shù)百萬心系社會的人所做的成就。

They are a source of vital support to the welfare and wellbeing of others, often unseen or overlooked.他們是人民福祉的中流砥柱，總是默默無聞的奉獻。

And as we reflect upon public service, let us again be mindful of the remarkable sacrifice and courage of our Armed Forces.談到為人民服務(wù)，讓我們再次銘記軍人們偉大的犧牲和無上的勇氣。

Much may indeed have changed these past sixty years but the valour of those who risk their lives for the defense and freedom of us all remains undimmed.也許過去的60年確實發(fā)生了一些改變，但那些冒著生命危險為我們保一方平安和自由的人們?nèi)耘f熠熠生輝。

The happy relationship I have enjoyed with Parliament has extended well beyond the more than three and a half thousand Bills I have signed into law.我與議員之間的愉快合作關(guān)系走勢良好，不僅局限于我親自簽署過的3500多份法案上。

I am therefore very touched by the magnificent gift before me, generously subscribed by many of you.所以我對眼前珍貴的禮物感動不已，這是你們當中許多人的一片赤誠。

Should this beautiful window cause just a little extra color to shine down upon this ancient place, I should gladly settle for that.華美的窗為這個古老的地方更添一抹明媚的陽光，令我倍感欣喜。

We are reminded here of our past, of the continuity of our national story and the virtues of resilience, ingenuity and tolerance which created it.我們在這回首過去，回顧國家不朽的傳奇和創(chuàng)造傳奇的種種堅忍、開拓及包容之心。

I have been privileged to witness some of that history and, with the support of my family, rededicate myself to the service of our great country and its people now and in the years to come.我已有幸目睹歷史的風采一二，帶著家人的支持，我將繼續(xù)為我的國家、我的人民效力，永無止境。

第五篇：英國女王發(fā)表登基60周年演講英語演講稿

英國女王發(fā)表登基60周年演講英語演講稿

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,I am most grateful for your Loyal Addresses and the generous words of the Lord Speaker and Mr.Speaker.This great institution has been at the heart of the country and the lives of our people throughout its history.As Parliamentarians, you share with your forebears a fundamental role in the laws and decisions of your own age.Parliament has survived as an unshakeable cornerstone of our constitution and our way of life.History links monarchs and Parliament, a connecting thread from one period to the next.So, in an era when the regular, worthy rhythm of life is less eye-catching than doing something extraordinary, I am reassured that I am merely the second Sovereign to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee.As today, it was my privilege to address you during my Silver and Golden Jubilees.Many of you were present ten years ago and some of you will recall the occasion in 1977.Since my Accession, I have been a regular visitor to the Palace of Westminster and, at the last count, have had the pleasurable duty of treating with twelve Prime Ministers.Over such a period, one can observe that the experience of venerable old age can be a mighty guide but not a prerequisite for success in public office.I am therefore very pleased to be addressing many younger Parliamentarians and also those bringing such a wide range of background and experience to your vital, national work.During these years as your Queen, the support of my family has, across the generations, been beyond measure.Prince Philip is, I believe, well-known for declining compliments of any kind.But throughout he has been a constant strength and guide.He and I are very proud and grateful that The Prince of Wales and other members of our family are travelling on my behalf in this Diamond Jubilee year to visit all the Commonwealth Realms and a number of other Commonwealth countries.These overseas tours are a reminder of our close affinity with the Commonwealth, encompassing about one-third of the world’s population.My own association with the Commonwealth has taught me that the most important contact between nations is usually contact between its peoples.An organisation dedicated to certain values, the Commonwealth has flourished and grown by successfully promoting and protecting that contact.At home, Prince Philip and I will be visiting towns and cities up and down the land.It is my sincere hope that the Diamond Jubilee will be an opportunity for people to come together in a spirit of neighbourliness and celebration of their own communities.We also hope to celebrate the professional and voluntary service given by millions of people across the country who are working for the public good.They are a source of vital support to the welfare and wellbeing of others, often unseen or overlooked.And as we reflect upon public service, let us again be mindful of the remarkable sacrifice and courage of our Armed Forces.Much may indeed have changed these past sixty years but the valour of those who risk their lives for the defence and freedom of us all remains undimmed.The happy relationship I have enjoyed with Parliament has extended well beyond the more than three and a half thousand Bills I have signed into law.I am therefore very touched by the magnificent gift before me, generously subscribed by many of you.Should this beautiful window cause just a little extra colour to shine down upon this ancient place, I should gladly settle for that.We are reminded here of our past, of the continuity of our national story and the virtues of resilience, ingenuity and tolerance which created it.I have been privileged to witness some of that history and, with the support of my family, rededicate myself to the service of our great country and its people now and in the years to come.