[Gallambria] Office of the Private Secretary to the Royal Family

[Gallambria]

 

 

MESSAGE TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ASGEIRRIA

Queen Mary and I have been deeply shocked and saddened
by the loss of life and injuries after the terrorist attack in Asgeirr City.

On behalf of the people of Gallambria, we send our most sincere condolences to you,
the families of those who have died, and all those in Asgeirr City affected by this terrible series of events.




ALBERT R

 

15 JANUARY, 2018

 

 

@Asgeirria

Edited January 14, 2018 by Gallambria (see edit history)

[Asgeirria]

To His Royal Majesty the King, Albert the Second, and Her Majesty the Queen Mary,

It is with both great sorrow and appreciation in my heart that I write this letter; sorrow that such an occasion has visited itself upon my people, and appreciation that, though we have long remained isolated, there are leaders in this world who welcome us with warm sympathy. It is my sincerest hope that I never find myself reciprocating sympathy for any such catastrophe befallen your people. However, we will remember your kindness in times of our great pain.

Humbly yours,

John Valentino,

Keeper of Man

 

@Gallambria

 

Edited January 14, 2018 by Asgeirria (see edit history)

[Gallambria]

 

@Morheim

@Sunset Sea Islands

@Andalla

@Asgeirria

@Iverica

[Gallambria]

A Proclamation
By His Majesty, King Albert the Second, by the Grace of God, King of Gallambria.

---

Whereas, we have taken into our Royal Consideration, the extensive and valuable acquisitions in the Adlantic Ocean, secured to Our Crown by the Royal Gallambrian Navy; and being desirous that all Our loving Subjects, as well of Our Kingdom, may avail themselves with all convenient speed, of the great benefits and advantages which must accrue therefrom of their commerce, manufactures, and navigation.

We have thought fit, with the advice of Our Said Privy Council, to issue this Our Royal Proclamation, hereby to publish and declare to all our loving Subjects, that we have, with the advice of Our Said Privy Council, granted Our Letters Patent, under our Great Seal of Gallambria, to erect, within the islands and territories ceded and confirmed to us by this Proclamation of Territorial Claim, two distinct and separate governments, styled and called by the names of the Gallambrian Adlantic Ocean Territory, and Ashford and Tarago, limited and bound as follows.

First – The Government of the Gallambrian Adlantic Ocean Territory shall govern the lands and seas consisting of the lands of Blackwell Island, Huon Island, Tashkar Island, and Kentley Island, and the sea for two hundred nautical miles from their sea coast.

The Island to be known as “Blackwell Island” – on which a Royal Survey Mark has been placed, lays at the position of Eight Degrees, Seventeen Minutes, Twenty-Three Seconds North, and One Degree, Twenty-Six Minutes, Fifty-Four Seconds East.

The Island to be known as “Huon Island” – on which a Royal Survey Mark has been placed, lays at the position of Five Degrees, Thirty-Two Minutes, Thirty-Five Seconds North, and Twelve Degrees, Eight Minutes, Twenty-Two Seconds East.

The Island to be known as “Tashkar Island” – on which a Royal Survey Mark has been placed, lays at the position of Seven Degrees, Fifty-Two Minutes, Twenty-Three Seconds North, and Two Degrees, Thirteen Minutes, Ten Seconds East.

The Island to be known as “Kently Island” – on which a Royal Survey Mark has been placed, lays at the position of Two Degrees, Five Minutes, Fifteen Seconds North, and Nine Degrees, Fifty-One Minutes, Forty-One Seconds East.

The Island to be known as “Fortuna Island” – on which a Royal Survey Mark has been placed, lays at the position of Five Degrees, Eleven Minutes, Forty-Seven Seconds South, and Three Degrees, Twenty-One Minutes, Twenty-Two Seconds West.

The Island to be known as “Balfry Island” – on which a Royal Survey Mark has been placed, lays at the position of Five Degrees, Three Minutes, Ten Seconds South, and Six Degrees, Eleven Minutes, Fourteen Seconds West.

The Island to be known as “Alfred Cay” – on which a Royal Survey Mark has been placed, lays at the position of Five Degrees, Forty-One Minutes, Thirty-One Seconds South, and Seven Degrees, Eighteen Minutes, Forty-Four Seconds West.

The Island to be known as “Mary Cay” – on which a Royal Survey Mark has been placed, lays at the position of Four Degrees, Twenty-Two Minutes, Six Seconds South, and Seven Degrees, Twenty-Seven Minutes, Five Seconds West.

Secondly – The Government of Ashford and Tarago shall govern the lands and seas consisting of the lands of Ashford Island and Tarago Island, and the seas for two hundred nautical miles from their sea

The Island to be known as “Ashford Island” – on which a Royal Survey Mark has been placed, lays at the position of Seven Degrees, Forty-Five Minutes, Twenty Seconds South, and Five Degrees, Fifty-Seven Minutes, Twelve Seconds East.

The Island to be known as “Tarago Island” – on which a Royal Survey Mark has been placed, lays at the position of Nine Degrees, Thirty-Nine Minutes, Fifty-One Seconds South, and Seven Degrees, Forty-Two Minutes, Two Seconds East.

We have thought fit to publish and declare, by this Our Proclamation, that We have, in the Letters Patent under our Great Seal of Gallambria, by which the said Governments are constituted, given express power and direction to our Governors of our said territories respectively, that so soon as the state and circumstances of the said territories will admit thereof, they shall, with the advice and consent of the Members of Our Council, summon and call General Assemblies within the said Governments respectively, in such manner and form as in use and directed in those territories which are under our immediate Government.

We have also given power to the said Governors, with the consent of our Said Council, and the Representatives of the People so to be summoned as aforesaid, to make, constitute, and ordain laws, statutes, and ordinances for the public peace, welfare, and good government of our said territories, and of the people and inhabitants thereof, as near as may be agreeable to the Laws of Gallambria, and under such regulation and restrictions as are used in other territories, and in the meantime, and until such assemblies can be called as aforesaid, all Persons inhabiting in or resorting to our said territories may confide in our Royal Protection for the Enjoyment and Benefit of the Laws of our Realm of Gallambria.

Given at Our Court at Santhope House, on the 16th Day of February 2018, in the fifth year of our Reign.

 

[Gallambria]

His Majesty King Albert the Second is pleased to announce the following appointments :-

VICE-REGAL APPOINTMENTS

1. As Governor of the Gallambrian Adlantic Ocean Territories, The Honourable Marie WIRIHANA
2. As Governor of the Ashford & Tarago Islands, The Honourable Rona TAPIHONA

ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS

1. As Administrator of Balfry Island, Mr Kahi WATI
2. As Administrator of Fortuna Island, Miss Iria WIRIHANA
3. As Administrator of Huon Island, Mrs Kiri RAHARUHI
4. As Administrator of Kently Island, Mr Hani PEKAMA
 

 

BY HIS MAJESTY'S COMMAND,

Private Secretary to the King

[Gallambria]

A Centenary message from His Majesty The King to the
Royal Gallambrian Air Force

On this, the centenary of its formation, I send my heartfelt congratulations to the Royal
Gallambrian Air Force at home and overseas, and to all of its families and loved ones.

The anniversary of one of the world's oldest independent Air Force's is of great significance, and it is
fitting to pay tribute to the tenacity, skill and sacrifice of the men and women who have served within its ranks
over the last century, and who have defended our freedom so gallantly. Through its enduring focus on
professionalism, excellence and innovation, the Royal Gallambrian Air Force stands as a shining
example of inspiration around the World today and for the next generations.

May the glory and honour that all ranks have bestowed on the Royal Gallambrian Air Force light
its pathway to the future, guarding our skies and reaching for the stars.

Per Ardua Ad Astra.

Albert II

[Gallambria]

A MESSAGE TO THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE WORKER'S REPUBLIC
OF FULGISTAN

Queen Mary and I have been deeply shocked and saddened
by the loss of life and injuries after the bombings in Jintakh.

On behalf of the people of Gallambria, we send our most sincere condolences to you,
the families of those who have died, and all those in Jintakh affected by this act.

 

ALBERT R

5th June 2018, Santhope House

 

@Fulgistan

[Gallambria]

 

THE KINGDOM OF GALLAMBRIA

ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS AND
PARLIAMENTARY APPOINTMENTS ORDER

 

I, Albert the Second, by the Grace of God, King of Gallambria, acting with the advice of the Privy Council, revoke all administrative arrangements and parliamentary appoints previously ordered, and order that:

1. The matters dealt with by a Department or Ministry of State include:
   1. All matters referred to it relating to that Department or Ministry; and,
   2. All matters arising under the legislation administered by a Minister of State, administering the Department or Ministry.
       
2. The legislation administered by a Minister of State administering a Department or Ministry is:
   1. legislation passed before or after the date of this Order, that relates to a matter dealt with by the Department or Ministry.
       
3. The Warrants and Charters for the Departments and Ministries mentioned in Part One of the Schedule be rescinded.
    
4. The Departments and Ministries mentioned in Part Two of the Schedule, to have their Instruments of Charter and Warrant signed under Royal Sign-Manual within Twenty-One Days after the execution of this Order.
    
5. The Departments and Ministries mentioned in Part Three of the Schedule shall continue unabated.
    
6. The Members of Parliament mentioned in Part Four of the Schedule to be appointed as Ministers and made member's of My Government's Cabinet and my Most Honourable Privy Council.
    
7. The Members of Parliament mentioned in Part Five of the Schedule to be appointed as Ministers and made member's of My Government's Outer Cabinet.
    
8. The Members of Parliament mentioned in Part Six of the Schedule to be appointed as Assistant Ministers and made member's of My Government's Outer Cabinet.

 

Signed and Sealed
with the Great Seal of Gallambria on
19 June 2018

 

 

By His Majesty's Command

Nadia Burnett
Prime Minister

---

THE SCHEDULE

PART ONE

1. Department of Environment, Energy & Agriculture
2. Ministry of Trade and International Development
3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
4. Department of Arts, Sports and Communities
5. Department of Science and Innovation
6. Department of Business, Communications and Industry

PART TWO

1. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
2. Department of Communications and the Arts
3. Department of the Environment and Energy
4. Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
5. Department of Industry, Innovation and Science

PART THREE

1. Ministry of Defence
2. Department of Veterans' Affairs
3. Office of the Attorney-General
4. Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
5. The Treasury
6. Ministry of Home Affairs
7. Department of Health
8. Department of Human Services
9. Department of Social Services
10. Department of Finance
11. Department of Education and Training
12. Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
13. Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development

PART FOUR

1. As Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Nadia Burnett MP
2. As Attorney-General for Gallambria, The Rt Hon Daniel Hartford KC, MP
3. As the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, The Rt Hon James Thompson-Grey MP
4. As the Minister for Communications, The Rt Hon Oliver Williams MP
5. As the Minister for the Arts, The Rt Hon Susan Donaldson MP
6. As the Minister for Defence, The Rt Hon Charlotte O'Neill MP
7. As the Minister for Defence Industry, The Rt Hon Stuart Abraham MP
8. As the Minister for Education and Training, The Rt Hon Francis Duncan MP
9. As the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, The Rt Hon Arthur Matthews MP
10. As the Minister for Finance, The Rt Hon Peter Cootes MP
11. As the Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister for Foreign  Affairs, The Rt Hon Lauren Cambridge MP
12. As the Minister for Trade and Investment, The Rt Hon Lyle Branston MP
13. As the Minister for Health, The Rt Hon Anastacia Laws MP
14. As the Minister for Sport, The Rt Hon Lachlan Peterson MP
15. As the Minister for Maori Health, The Rt Hon Simon Ratana MP
16. As the Minister for Home Affairs, The Rt Hon Gabriella Robin MP
17. As the Minister for Human Services, The Rt Hon Sophia Cunningham MP
18. As the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, The Rt Hon Mark Brighton-Wells MP
19. As the Minister for Regional Development, The Rt Hon Howard Patel MP
20. As the Minister for the Environment and Energy, The Rt Hon Patrick Morlington MP
21. As the Treasurer, The Rt Hon Michael O'Callaghan MP
22. As the Special Minister of State for the Gallambrian Adlantic Ocean Territories, The Rt Hon Thomas Griffiths MP
23. As the Special Minister of State for the Ashford and Tarago Islands, The Rt Hon Daniel Jones-Taylor MP

PART FIVE

1. As the Minister for Defence Personnel, The Honourable Jeremiah Klein MP
2. As the Minister for International Development and the Maranesia, The Hon Julian Breckenridge MP
3. As the Minister for Aged Care, The Hon Martin Walters MP
4. As the Minister for Law Enforcement and Cybersecurity, The Hon Evan Kinnaird MP
5. As the Minister for Citizenship and Immigration, The Hon Owen Novak MP
6. As the Minister for Innovation, The Hon Stephen Chambers MP
7. As the Minister for Resources, The Hon Benjamin Stevenson MP
8. As the Minister for Science, The Hon Elijah Ward MP
9. As the Minister for Territories and Local Government, The Hon Penelope Garcia MP
10. As the Minister for Social Services, The Hon Trent Neumann MP
11. As the Minister for Disability Services, The Hon Amelia Carson MP
12. As the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Colonel (Ret'd) The Hon Sebastian Fimone CEO DSC, MP
13. As the Minister for Small Business, The Hon Christopher Hawkins MP

PART SIX

1. As the Assistant Minister for Defence, The Hon Paul Vincent MP
2. As the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon George Parker MP
3. As the Assistant Minister for Trade, The Hon Alexandra Sadana MP
4. As the Assistant Minister for Health, The Hon Lawrence Saunders MP
5. As the Assistant Minister for Home Affairs, The Hon Audrey Garnet MP
6. As the Assistant Treasurer, The Hon Anthony Flemming MP
7. As the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Maori Affairs, The Hon Carson Lewis MP

[Gallambria]

A MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF BULGENSTAZ

Queen Mary and I have been deeply shocked and saddened hear of the
massive loss of life after the flooding in Dnestov.

On behalf of the people of Gallambria, we send our most sincere condolences to you,
the families of those who have died, and all those in Dnestov by this tragedy.

 

ALBERT II

20th March 2019, Santhope House

 

@Bulgenstaz

[Gallambria]

PRESS STATEMENT

The Palace wishes to advise that The Duke of Wessex was admitted to
King George III Hospital last night after experiencing symptoms relating to his
previous history of Astrocytoma.

The staff at King George III as well as Palace medical staff, are currently completing
tests to ascertain the nature of the symptoms, and further information will made available,
when suitable.

His Majesty, King Albert II, along with the Duchess of Wessex ask for privacy during this time.

 

25th September 2019,
Santhope House

[Gallambria]

PRESS STATEMENT

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS ISSUED BY THE PRESS SECRETARY TO THE KING

The King, with the greatest sadness, has asked for the following announcement to be made immediately.

His beloved son, Michael, The Duke of Wessex, died peacefully, last night, at King George III Hospital.

All members of the Royal Family have been informed. The King and Queen, along with the Duchess of Wessex, thank the public
for their continued support. 

Details relating to the Laying in State and the Funeral of the Duke of Wessex will be communicated through the nations
various media outlets.

 

2nd October 2019,
Santhope House

[Gallambria]

MEDIA RELEASE

The King today, announces the conclusion of service of Sir Jock Spurgeon-Price KCGO CG, who will retire from the appointment 
of Private Secretary to the King effective 25 OCTOBER 2019. The King wishes to convey his utmost gratitude for the honourable tenor in which Sir Spurgeon-Price has
conducted his appointment, and the royal family take this opportunity to impress their best wishes for Sir Jock and his family.

Follow Sir Jock's conclusion of service to the King, Air Chief Marshal Sir Harry Beresford GCStG, KCG, DSO, CSC*, DFC**, AdC will take up the position of
Private Secretary to the King, concluding his service as Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff and 40-years of service with the Royal Gallambrian Air Force in order to take up this
new appointment.

 

21st October 2019,
Santhope House

[Gallambria]

MEDIA RELEASE

The King and Queen have asked me to convey their condolences to the families and the greater Cambrian community that were affected by the
atrocious and barbaric act against their friends, families and loved ones last night.

It is, however, with regret, to confirm, that His Excellency, General The Honourable Sir William Henry Barber GCStG GCGO DSO, Governor of Cambria,
and his wife Lady Diane Leigh Barber were both killed last night in the terror attacks that devastated Tamworth City.

Our continued thoughts and condolences are with the victims families at this time.

 

By His Majesty's Command,

Private Secretary to the King

[Sunset Sea Islands]

THE RADIANT REPUBLIC OF
THE SUNSET SEA ISLANDS

The people and leadership of the Radiant Republic of the Sunset Sea Islands expresses its deep condolences to the victims of the heinous act of terrorism and joins their families in grief.

Our hopes go out to the families of Sir William Henry Barber and his wife Lady Diane Leigh Barber.

May we, who stay behind, live to see the day our children can grow up in a society devoid of fear of such acts of barbarism.

In the name of the Sunset Sea Islandian people,

Gao He Ping,
First Speaker of the Radiant Republic of the Sunset Sea Islands

[Gallambria]

Following the unfortunate death of Sir William Barber, His Majesty The King has approved the appointment of Sir Jock Spurgeon-Price as
the 16th Governor of Cambria.
 

BY HIS MAJESTY'S COMMAND,

Private Secretary to the King

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

To: His Majesty, Albert II, King of @Gallambria; the Government of the Kingdom of Gallambria
From: the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion of the Megas Agios Basileia ton Ahromanion

Your majesty,

The grave news of the terrorist attacks that have rocked your great nation have shocked the Arhomaioi to their core. Your nation has always been perceived by Arhomaneia as stable and mature, and your people level headed and not given to rash and foolish actions. That a group of your citizens has decided to take up arms against the rightful government is profoundly shocking, especially so in the appalling and indiscriminate manner in which it has been carried out. This will surely call down God's wrath upon them, not just for their actions against their appointed monarch, but for the murders that have stained their hands.

For that is what these attacks were - nothing but murders, in an attempt to destabilise your honoured country for short-sighted and ill conceived ends. I pray to Christ and his Saints that you and your people will rise stronger than ever from these horrendous acts, and that these murderers will be brought to justice, no matter where they may flee to or hide.

If you have need of any aid that the Megas Agios Basileia, then all you have to do is ask. I do not doubt that all of Eurth will stand with Gallambria.

I will include the people of Tamworth, who have suffered so much, and Gallambria in my prayers, and I have ordered that similar prayers are to said in every church across Arhomaneia.

May God guide you and your people in this, your hour of need,

Kommodos III,

by the Grace of Christ the God,

Agios Basileos kai Autokrator ton Arhomaioi

[Gallambria]

A MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF ORIONI

It was with sadness that I learned of the death of Former Chairman Hano Ketenya yesterday.

Former Chairman Ketenya was a great friend and ally of Gallambria. He was also a patriot, serving his
country with honour and distinction in Office.

My thoughts and prayers are with Former Chairman Ketenya's family and the Orioni people.

ALBERT II

16th March 2020, Santhope House

 

@Orioni

[Gallambria]

A Proclamation
By His Majesty, King Albert the Second, by the Grace of God, King of Gallambria.

---

Whereas, we have taken into our Royal Consideration, the existing territories of the Kingdom of Gallambria, and their contribution to the Kingdom of Gallambria; and being desirous that Our loving subjects be able to continue to identify their home lands according to their long-established practices and traditions.

We have thought fit, with the advice of Our Said Privy Council, the Cabinet of His Majesty's Government and the Special Committee for Marenai Affairs, to issue this Our Royal Proclamation, hereby to publish and declare to all our loving Subjects, that we have, with the advice of Our Said Privy Council, granted Our Letters Patent, under our Great Seal of Gallambria, that within the islands and territories of Marenesia, the following Orders do apply.

First - That His Majesty's Administrator and Government of the Ashford and Tarago Islands cede governance of the Territory of Ashford and Tarago Islands, to the Administrator and Government of the Gallambrian Adlantic Ocean Territories.

Secondly – The Government of the Gallambrian Adlantic Ocean Territory shall govern the lands and seas consisting of the lands of Blackwell Island, Huon Island, Tashkar Island, Kentley Island, Fortuna Island, Balfry Island, Mary Cay, Albert Cay, Ashford Island, and Tarago Island, and the sea for two hundred nautical miles from their sea coast.

The Island known as “Blackwell Island” – on which a Royal Survey Mark has been placed, lays at the position of Eight Degrees, Seventeen Minutes, Twenty-Three Seconds North, and One Degree, Twenty-Six Minutes, Fifty-Four Seconds East, shall know be known as "Ma'erepu".

The Island known as “Huon Island” – on which a Royal Survey Mark has been placed, lays at the position of Five Degrees, Thirty-Two Minutes, Thirty-Five Seconds North, and Twelve Degrees, Eight Minutes, Twenty-Two Seconds East, shall know be known as "Wharekauri".

The Island known as “Tashkar Island” – on which a Royal Survey Mark has been placed, lays at the position of Seven Degrees, Fifty-Two Minutes, Twenty-Three Seconds North, and Two Degrees, Thirteen Minutes, Ten Seconds East, shall know be known as "Ara'ura".

The Island known as “Kently Island” – on which a Royal Survey Mark has been placed, lays at the position of Two Degrees, Five Minutes, Fifteen Seconds North, and Nine Degrees, Fifty-One Minutes, Forty-One Seconds East, shall know be known as "Makei".

The Island known as “Fortuna Island” – on which a Royal Survey Mark has been placed, lays at the position of Five Degrees, Eleven Minutes, Forty-Seven Seconds South, and Three Degrees, Twenty-One Minutes, Twenty-Two Seconds West, , shall know be known as "Motutapu".

The Island known as “Balfry Island” – on which a Royal Survey Mark has been placed, lays at the position of Five Degrees, Three Minutes, Ten Seconds South, and Six Degrees, Eleven Minutes, Fourteen Seconds West, shall know be known as "Rangitoto".

The Island known as “Albert Cay” – on which a Royal Survey Mark has been placed, lays at the position of Five Degrees, Forty-One Minutes, Thirty-One Seconds South, and Seven Degrees, Eighteen Minutes, Forty-Four Seconds West, shall know be known as "Te Puka-Hereka".

The Island known as “Mary Cay” – on which a Royal Survey Mark has been placed, lays at the position of Four Degrees, Twenty-Two Minutes, Six Seconds South, and Seven Degrees, Twenty-Seven Minutes, Five Seconds West, shall know be known as "Mar'raru".

The Island known as “Ashford Island” – on which a Royal Survey Mark has been placed, lays at the position of Seven Degrees, Forty-Five Minutes, Twenty Seconds South, and Five Degrees, Fifty-Seven Minutes, Twelve Seconds East, shall know be known as "Whakaari".

The Island known as “Tarago Island” – on which a Royal Survey Mark has been placed, lays at the position of Nine Degrees, Thirty-Nine Minutes, Fifty-One Seconds South, and Seven Degrees, Forty-Two Minutes, Two Seconds East, shall know be known as "Raratoka".

We have thought fit to publish and declare, by this Our Proclamation, that We have, in the Letters Patent under our Great Seal of Gallambria, by which the said Government is constituted, given express power and direction to our Governors of our said territory, that so soon as the state and circumstances of the said territory will admit thereof, they shall, with the advice and consent of the Members of Our Council, summon and call General Assemblies within the said Government, in such manner and form as in use and directed in that territory which are under our immediate Government.

We have also given power to the said Governor, with the consent of our Said Council, and the Representatives of the People so to be summoned as aforesaid, to make, constitute, and ordain laws, statutes, and ordinances for the public peace, welfare, and good government of our said territory, and of the people and inhabitants thereof, as near as may be agreeable to the Laws of Gallambria, and under such regulation and restrictions as are used in other territories, and in the meantime, and until such assemblies can be called as aforesaid, all Persons inhabiting in or resorting to our said territory may confide in our Royal Protection for the Enjoyment and Benefit of the Laws of our Realm of Gallambria.

Given at Our Court at Santhope House, on the 6th Day of December 2020, in the seventh year of our Reign.

 

[Gallambria]

Full Text of The King's 2020 Christmas Message

At this time of year, few sights evoke more feelings of love than seeing families around the wurld gather to celebrate Christmas.

In 1991 during the Marenesian War, I spent Christmas onboard the HMGS Monmouth as a father of two children, the first time having been away from my family at this time of year.

Since then, I have endeavoured to remain at home here to be with the ones I loved.

Gathering around the table here at Santhope House for Christmas lunch, gives us a chance to think about the year ahead - I am looking forward to a busy 2021.

It also allows us to reflect on the year that has passed, as we think of those who are far away or no longer with us, for me personally, my son the Late Duke of Wessex.

Many people say the first few Christmas' after losing a loved one is particularly hard. But it's also a time to remember all that we have to be thankful for.

This year, as part of my Christmas tradition of donating to charity. I am glad to announce, that Mary and I have agreed to establish the Duke of Wessex Foundation and Institute for Brain Cancer Research.

It is true that the wurld has had to confront moments of darkness this year, but the Bible contains a passage, which many see as a verse of hope and prosperity. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

Sooner or later we all become award of the passing of the years, but every now and then we get a sharp reminder that time is moving on rather quick than we expect.

This happened to me last month when we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. Mary and I were very touched that so many of you were kind enough to send messages of good wishes.

There is no point in regretting the passage of time. Growing older is one of the facts of life, and it has its own compensations. Experience should help us to take a more balanced view of events and to be more understanding about the foibles of human nature.

Like everyone else, I learn about what is going on in the wurld from the media, but I am fortunate to have another source of information. Every day hundreds of letters come to my desk, a I make a point of reading as many of them as I possibly can.

The vast majority are a pleasure to read. There are also sad ones from people who want help, there are interesting ones from people who want to tell me what they think abut current issues, or who have suggestions to make about changing the way things are done. Others are full of frank advice for me and my family and some of them do not hesitate to be critical.

It is only too easy for passionate loyalty to one's own country, race or religion, or even to one's favourite football club, to be corroded into intolerance, bigotry and ultimately into violence.

We have witnessed some frightening examples of this in recent years. All too often intolerance creates the resentment and anger which fill the headlines and divide communities and nations and even families.

From time to time we also see some inspiring examples of tolerance. Mr William McInnes, whose daughter Catherine lost her life in the horrifying Tamworth Terror Attacks, impressed the whole world by the depth of his forgiveness.

His strength, and that of his wife, and the courage of their daughter, came from their Christian conviction. All of us will echo their prayer that out of personal tragedies of Tamworth and other similar tragedies, may come a reconciliation between communities.

There are striking illustrations of the way in which the many different communities can come together in peaceful harmony. In August, I attended the National Day of Remembrance inter-faith service Observance at St Christopher's Cathedral in Tamworth. At that service we were all united in our willingness to pray for the common good.

This is a symbol of mutual tolerance and I find it most encouraging. Of course it is right that people should their beliefs and their faiths strongly and sincerely, but perhaps we should also have the humility to accept that, while we each have right to our own convictions, others have right to theirs too.

At the Remembrance service, I had the opportunity to talk to Allan McMurtrie, the leader of the Cambrian Independence Party, who was the leader of the Cambrian Revolutionary Army during the Cambrian Uprising. While he was a part of the Cambrian independence movement in the 90's, he unreservedly stated that political violence has no place in Gallambrian society, particularly not in this day and age when we have so much at stake.

But, I am afraid that the Christmas message of goodwill has usually evaporated by the time we lay our heads down for a much needed sleep at the end of the day. This year I hope we will remember the many victims of violence and intolerance and the suffering of their families. Christians are taught to love their neighbours, not just at Christmas, but all the year round.

I hope we will all help each other to have a happy Christmas and, when the New Year comes, resolve to work for tolerance, peace, and an understanding between all people.

Happy Christmas to you all.