Dear Governor,

As the people of Bermuda mark the occasion of Bermuda Day, my wife and I take this opportunity to extend our sincere congratulations to your Premier and to all those who call Bermuda their home.

I would also like to offer my heartfelt gratitude for the wonderfully warm welcome I received across Bermuda during my visit earlier this month. As I reflect on that visit, I join you in recognising and celebrating the many remarkable young people on these islands. I greatly appreciated seeing at first-hand the conservation work at the Living Classroom on Trunk Island, helping to protect and preserve Bermuda's unique biodiversity for future generations. Our long-term wellbeing is inseparable from the health of the natural world we inherit, and I am hugely encouraged by the emphasis placed on engaging young people in caring for local habitats.

I have long held a special affection for the Overseas Territories, and I greatly value the unique character, traditions and contributions of each Territory within our wider British family. The strength of community, pride in heritage and commitment to progress are qualities I deeply admire.

My wife and I trust that the coming year will bring continued progress and wellbeing to the whole community of Bermuda.