News

Today, the Commonwealth celebrates Commonwealth Day, an annual event observed since 1977 on the second Monday of March.

This day is dedicated to honouring the shared values and principles that unite our 56 diverse member countries. All across the Commonwealth, countries are marking the day with special celebrations.

This year, the theme is “Together We Thrive”, celebrating the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth family—built on the principles of family, unity, and peace. It highlights the importance of fostering strong and connected communities that empower their members and drive meaningful progress.

The Commonwealth is built on shared values and strengthened by historical, cultural, and sporting links. Research has shown that these connections provide significant benefits to trade and investment, reducing trade costs by an average of 21% across the Commonwealth.

In the United Kingdom, a Service of Celebration for Commonwealth Day takes place at Westminster Abbey, attended by His Majesty the King, Head of the Commonwealth, along with senior members of the British royal family and the Prime Minister. This multicultural service showcases music, poetry, dance, and readings from around the world. You can watch the recording of the service via BBC’s YouTube channel below, and read His Majesty’s Commonwealth Day message here.