Maltese poet and writer Leanne Ellul had a proud moment on the global stage as she read her own poem titled 'A Résumé of Bees', during the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in London yesterday. The event was a prestigious annual celebration attended by representatives from all 56 Commonwealth nations.

Leanne was one of four remarkable women invited to speak at the ceremony, joining Cynthia Wakuna (from 'Commonwealth Says NO MORE'), The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC (Commonwealth Secretary-General), and The Hon Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa (Prime Minister of Samoa).

Leanne is a versatile Maltese writer known for her work in both poetry and prose. Over the years, she has written for theatre, children’s textbooks, and readers, with her literary works appearing in online platforms, newspapers, journals, and anthologies.

Her play 'Ma Rridx Immur' won first place in the prestigious 'Premju Francis Ebejer' competition and was staged at the Manoel Theatre. In 2014, she won the Novel for Youths Prize for 'Gramma', a record-breaking book for Merlin Publishers. In recognition of her achievements, Leanne was enlisted in the Commonwealth Young Achievers Book in 2015 and won the Special Prize for Best Emerging Author by the National Book Council in 2016.

Thanks to yesterday's event, many more across the globe were treated to Leanne's beautiful words, undoubtedly inspiring many, both locally and overseas.

Congratulations, Leanne!