By Katalina Siasau

In celebration of the Commonwealth Day today, 9 March 2026, HRH Princess Nanasipau’u Eliana with the British High Commission in Tonga, launched the Commonwealth Children’s Booklet 2026, that will help children to learn more about the Commonwealth countries.

Speaking at the FWC Middle School (Akoteu Maamaloa) in Nuku'alofa, the British High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Philip Malone said, “The Commonwealth is important because countries like the Kingdom of Tonga and United Kingdom help and support each other solve problems, especially in island nations, like Tonga. They work together to protect the environments and share ideas about fairness, education, and peace.”

He encouraged the students and teachers to read the booklet and learn more about the Commonwealth.

“You will learn more about the Commonwealth in this book. It was created to have young children, just like you, to understand what the commonwealth is, what it does, and why it matters," he noted.

HRH Princess Nanasipau’u Eliana read an excerpt from theb ooklet titled 'Our story, our world, our Commonwealth. The story of 56 countries.'

“The Commonwealth is about friendship and respect between individuals and nations. Some live on small islands like Nauru in the Pacific and some live in big countries like India and Asia. All countries in the Commonwealth are independent and equal. ‘Ofa Atu.”

The Guests of Honour, HRH Princess Nanasipau’u Eliana, and HRH Princess Mafile’o Pilolevu are the youngest daughters of the Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala and Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku'aho.