Commonwealth Day 2023

The 56 countries which make up the Commonwealth work together on the most pressing issues of our time, from climate change to youth opportunity, education to global health.

Commonwealth Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and achievements of the organisation and its citizens. 

The Commonwealth Day theme for 2023 is ‘Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future’, highlighting the active commitment of the family of nations to support the promotion of peace, prosperity and sustainability, especially through climate action, to secure a better future for young people and improve the lives of all Commonwealth citizens.

The Commonwealth Day Service

The King and The Queen Consort were greeted by members of the Ngāti Rānana London Māori Club as they arrived at the Abbey. 

The King delivered his first Commonwealth Day Message during the service, in which he spoke of the Royal Family's commitment to the organisation and its international Commonwealth family. 

The congregation enjoyed musical performances from saxophonist Yolanda Brown, West End stars Roshani Abbey and Nuwan Hugh Perera and the Rwandan National Ballet, Urukerereza.

A reflection was given by young Samoan environmental advocate Brianna Fruean, who was the youngest recipient of a Commonwealth Youth Award aged, just 16. 

Reception at Buckingham Palace

The King and The Queen Consort hosted members of the diplomatic and Commonwealth communities at Buckingham Palace for the annual Commonwealth Day Reception. Their Majesties will be joined by The Prince and Princess of Wales, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.

Ahead of the reception, The King signed the Commonwealth Charter; a single document outlining the sixteen core values of the association, which the leaders of the Commonwealth have committed to upholding.

The charter was signed by Queen Elizabeth II at Marlborough House on Commonwealth Day in 2013.