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Commonwealth Day 2019

Embassy Network | 9th April 2019

Young flagbearers greet dignitaries outside Westminster Abbey on Commonwealth Day

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Westminster Abbey

Crowds cheer as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive outside Westminster

The Dean of Westminster Abbey introduces The Queen to opera singer Alfie Bow

British Prime Minister and Commonwealth Chair in Office Theresa May gives her Commonwealth Day address

Lewis Pugh, British-South African endurance swimmer urges Commonwealth countries to act together to restore the health of oceans

B Positive – the choir of the NHS blood foundation – give a rousing choral performance

The drumbeats of the North Indian Dhol Foundation echoed through the ancient walls of Westminster Abbey

The congregation was captivated by the haunting sounds of the digeridoo, played by Australian maestro William Barton

The Commonwealth Secretary General welcomes Prince Charles, the future head of the Commonwealth, to Marlborough House

The Commonwealth Secretary General welcomes Prince Charles, the future head of the Commonwealth

Former British Prime Minister Sir John Major with the winners of the Commonwealth Youth Awards and the Commonwealth Youth Council

1. The Queen is welcomed at Westminster Abbey for the Commonwealth Day service

A Connected Commonwealth

This year’s Commonwealth Day was extra special as representatives of the 53 member nations joined to celebrate the 70^th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth. High Commissioners and diplomats joined The Queen, who is head of the Commonwealth, senior members of the Royal Family, Prime Minister Theresa May, who is the Commonwealth’s current Chair in Office, as well as the Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Scotland for a joyous special service of music and dance representing the diverse family of nations.

Later in the evening dignitaries gathered at Marlborough House for a reception, where the future Head of the Commonwealth the Prince of Wales was in attendance as well as former British Prime Minister The Rt Hon Sir John Major.

This year’s theme was ‘A Connected Commonwealth’ reflecting on how 53 nations, representing a third of humanity on five continents could use its common values and institutions to work together to confront the major challenges facing the planet.

Above image: The Queen is welcomed at Westminster Abbey for the Commonwealth Day service

Photos: Westminster Abbey/Picture Partnership/Commonwealth Secretariat