Celebrations and events will be held around the world today, Monday, 9 March to mark Commonwealth Day.
This year’s event is centred around the theme ‘Delivering a Common Future’, highlighting how the 54 member countries in the Commonwealth family are ‘innovating, connecting and transforming’ to help achieve some of its biggest goals - such as protecting natural resources and boosting trade.
Events to mark the occasion will take place across five continents with the Commonwealth’s 2.4 billion citizens enjoying flag parades, church services, poetry mornings, and dance performances.
Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth, has released a message to mark the occasion.
She touches on the theme of connectivity, mentioning how “advances in technology and modern media have now enabled many more people to witness and enjoy – with remarkable immediacy – the experience of Commonwealth connection, in areas such as education, medicine and conservation.”
She ended by saying: “On this Commonwealth Day I hope that the people and countries of the Commonwealth will be inspired by all that we share, and move forward with fresh resolve to enhance the Commonwealth’s influence for good in our world.”
The Queen will join Secretary-General Patricia Scotland at Westminster Abbey for a multi-faith service to celebrate the day.
Highlights will include performances from West-End star, Alexandra Burke; and multi-platinum, multi-award winning singer-songwriter, Craig David.
World heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua will also speak at the service.
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Earl and Countess of Wessex will also attend. The service will be broadcast live on BBC radio and television.
