I have behind me not only the splendid traditions and the annals of more than a thousand years but the living strength and majesty of the Commonwealth and Empire; of societies old and new; of lands and races different in history and origins but all, by God's Will, united in spirit and in aim.

We lost the American colonies because we lacked the statesmanship to know the right time and the manner of yielding what is impossible to keep.

[To the suggestion that Great Britain might someday want a Republic:] We'll go quietly.

In remembering the appalling suffering of war on both sides, we recognise how precious is the peace we have built in Europe since 1945.

These wretched babies don't come until they are ready.

I believe that there is a great fear in our generation of being labeled as priggish.

The events that I have attended to mark my Diamond Jubilee have been a humbling experience. It has touched me deeply to see so many thousands of families, neighbors and friends celebrating together in such a happy atmosphere.