Queen Misses Commonwealth Appointment

The Queen has missed what would have been her first event since leaving hospital last week; a church service and reception to mark Commonwealth Day.

The monarch was in hospital being treated for symptoms of gastroenteritis.

As head of the Commonwealth, the Queen's first duties since leaving hospital were to be the signing of a charter to lay out the values and commitment to equal rights within Commonwealth countries.

For the first time, a charter has been drawn up to detail the core beliefs of the Commonwealth countries.

The charter speaks of upholding democracy and opposing all forms of discrimination.

The Queen spoke about the benefits of the organisation in her annual statement.

She said: "Our shared values of peace, democracy, development, justice and human rights - which are found in our new Commonwealth Charter - mean that we can place special emphasis on including everyone in this goal, especially those who are vulnerable."

The charter states: "We are implacably opposed to all forms of discrimination, whether rooted in gender, race, colour, creed, political belief or other grounds."

It was adopted by all 54 Commonwealth nations in December, but is expected to cause problems in those Commonwealth countries which legislate against homosexuality.

The Queen was being treated at London's King Edward VII's Hospital and was discharged last Monday.

Official engagements, including a visit to Rome, were cancelled or postponed. The Queen also missed St David's Day celebrations in Swansea.

(IT)