Trust to help needy across Commonwealth

The former prime minister will chair the grant-making body, which will focus on areas such as fighting curable diseases and the promotion of education and culture.

It has been established to provide a lasting legacy to mark the Queen’s 60 years on the throne.

Sir John said: “It is our hope that individuals, organisations and countries will all wish to contribute to the Trust, as a tangible and enduring way of honouring Her Majesty the Queen, and to demonstrate the enormous respect and affection in which she is held, not only within the Commonwealth family, but also the wider world.”

The creation of the Trust was announced at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting last October.