THE QUEEN AND MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY WILL CELEBRATE COMMONWEALTH DAY 2020
Monday 9th March 2020
Her Majesty The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, accompanied by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will attend the annual Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey on Commonwealth Day – Monday 9th March.
The Commonwealth represents a global network of 54 countries, including the Maldives who re-joined earlier this year. Working in collaboration towards shared economic, environmental, social and democratic goals, the Service seeks to highlight a vast community which spans every geographical region, religion and culture, embracing diversity amongst its population of 2.4 billion people, of which 60 percent are under 30 years old.
The Commonwealth theme for 2020 is ‘Delivering A Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming’, placing emphasis on youth, the environment, trade, governance, and ICT (Information and Communications Technology) and innovation. From working to protect the earth’s natural resources and preserving the planet for generations to come, to championing fair trade and empowering the youth of today to transform the communities of tomorrow, the service will celebrate the Commonwealth’s continued commitment to delivering a peaceful, prosperous and more sustainable future for all.
Highlights of the service – the largest annual inter-faith gathering in the United Kingdom – will include a reflection given by international boxing champion and Olympic gold medallist Anthony Joshua, and special musical performances by chart-topping singer/songwriters Alexandra Burke and Craig David.
Guests of honour among the 2,000 strong congregation will include the Prime Minister, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, alongside High Commissioners, Ambassadors and dignitaries, senior politicians from across the UK and Commonwealth, faith leaders and over 800 school children and young people.
Organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society, the service will be broadcast live on BBC One and across BBC World Service, in celebration of Her Majesty’s lifetime commitment to the Commonwealth.
The service will commence with a procession of Commonwealth Flags. The Queen and members of the royal family will meet people involved in the service and walk by the Commonwealth Flag Bearers upon departure.
That evening, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will be guests of the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, at the annual Commonwealth Day reception at Marlborough House, the home of the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Catch up on previous Commonwealth Day celebrations in these issues of Royal Life…
