The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust

Celebrating sixty years. From and for all generations of the Commonwealth Family

Today marks the formal launch of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, on the 60 anniversary of the accession of the Queen to the throne.

The establishment of the Trust was originally announced at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Perth, Australia in 2011. The Trust aims to celebrate HM The Queen's enormous contribution and unswerving dedication to the Commonwealth over the course of her 60 year reign.

, Chairman of the Trustee Board said, "

The Trust aims to reflect the qualities that citizens respect and value in Her Majesty. It will identify investments in legacy projects which will have a transforming impact on the life of Commonwealth citizens. The Trust will aim in particular to invest in some projects which encourage generations to work together for the benefit of communities, and activities that bring Commonwealth citizens together across geographical boundaries.

, , also on the board of Trustees, said,

Details of some of the initial planned investments and partnerships will be announced in due course.

During the Jubilee year, individuals, groups, organisations and companies inside or outside the Commonwealth are invited to contribute to the Trust, as a lasting tribute to HM The Queen.

More details about the Trust, including a way to contribute, can be found at the Trust's website: http://www.jubileetribute.org

Notes to Editors:

1. The Queen is Head of the Commonwealth which has 54 states and 2 billion people. She is The Queen of 16 of these Commonwealth countries, known as Commonwealth Realms.

2. The Trust will be run and administered to ensure that every donation is used to the maximum benefit of commonwealth citizens and delivers results that make a real difference to people's lives.  It will not establish a major new institution.  It will work with established partner charities and organisations across the Commonwealth, both in the UK and elsewhere, to deliver iconic projects that are a fitting tribute to The Queen.  

3. As announced at CHOGM this may include tackling curable diseases, promoting all forms of education and culture and other Commonwealth priorities.

4. The trustees are: The Rt Hon Sir John Major (Chairman), The Commonwealth Secretary General, The Rt Hon Lord Robertson, Professor Sir Mervyn King , The Rt Hon Sir Christopher Geidt & the Rt Rev and Rt Hon Richard Chartres, Bishop of London .

5. Projects will be chosen by the Trustees, who will consult widely before reaching decisions