Commonwealth Day 2020

Celebrations took place across the Commonwealth on 9th March 2020 to mark Commonwealth Day. In London, where the Commonwealth Secretariat is based, a memorial service was held in the morning to pay tribute to the five million Commonwealth women and men who volunteered to serve in the two World Wars of the twentieth century.

The memorial event was later followed by a multi-faith service at Westminster Abbey. The service was attended by over 2000 people including Queen Elizabeth and other members of the Royal Family. The theme for this year’s event was ‘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. 

The day’s festivities concluded with a reception at the Commonwealth’s headquarters Marlborough House. Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Patricia Scotland welcomed The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to Marlborough House before introducing them to guests including High Commissioners, Commonwealth youth representatives and other Commonwealth organisations.

A copy of The Queen’s Commonwealth Day message can be viewed here