Commonwealth Day 2019 celebrations

‘A Connected Commonwealth’ was the theme of celebrations for this year’s Commonwealth Day, which took place on March 11th. The theme was chosen to highlight the co-operation between the culturally diverse family of nations who work together in friendship. 2019 also marks the 70th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth.

As per tradition, the Commonwealth Secretary-General attended a ceremony at the Commonwealth Memorial Gates where a wreath to honour all those from the Commonwealth that served during World War I and II was laid. 

The Secretary-General, alongside The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, then attended an afternoon service at Westminster Abbey. The service, which was broadcast live by the BBC, featured performances from Grammy Award-winning group Clean Bandit, and tenor Alfie Boe. Endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh also spoke to the congregation to highlight the issue of marine pollution and to appeal to restore the health of the oceans.

The last celebratory event of the day held in London was an evening reception at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters, Marlborough House. Guests included The Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall, former Prime Minister John Major and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt. High Commissioners, representatives of partner organisations, and former Secretaries-General were also in attendance.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Day Message can be viewed here.

(Photos courtesy of the Commonwealth Secretariat).