The Duchess of Cornwall hosts a Reception for Winners of The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition

In her role as Vice-Patron of The Royal Commonwealth Society, The Duchess of Cornwall today held a reception for winners of The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition at Buckingham Palace, on behalf of The Queen.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is the world’s oldest international writing competition for schools and was founded in 1883 to promote literacy, expression and creativity among young people throughout the Commonwealth.

This year, more than 11,000 entries have been received on the theme of ‘A Connected Commonwealth’ from almost every country in the Commonwealth. The topic called upon young people to consider how they can work to use cultural, technological and environmental connections for positive change across the Commonwealth. 

During the reception, Her Royal Highness presented certificates to the winners and runners-up, aged between 12 and 18 years old, who had travelled from Canada, Nigeria, Singapore and Ghana to attend the event. Extracts from the winning pieces were read by authors Geri Horner, Candice Cartey-Williams, Evie Wyld, Ben Okri and William Boyd.