Commonwealth Day 2025

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent countries, almost all of which were formerly under British rule. Today, they make up a remarkable organisation which remains a major force for change in the world today. Each year, Commonwealth Day provides a day for member nations to celebrate all that they have achieved, individually and together. 

The King's Commonwealth Day Message

Every year, The King, as Head of the Commonwealth, releases a message to the people of the Commonwealth, setting out his thoughts on the challenges faced by member nations, and the organisation's achievements and strengths. This year, His Majesty spoke of the need to work together for peace and to defend human rights.

The King's Music Room on Apple Music

The day marked the launch of a unique project: ’The King’s Music Room’, which offers an exclusive insight into His Majesty's relationship with music from around the Commonwealth – including artists stretching from 1930s crooners to Afrobeats stars, as well as disco divas and reggae icons.

A musical journey that reflects His Majesty’s personal taste, the show is shaped by his extraordinary experiences from around the world.

Commonwealth Service 

Members of the Royal Family came together to attend the service which focused on this year’s theme of ‘Together we Thrive’ which celebrates the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth family. 

During the Service there were performances from Masai Cultural Arts team, an African arts organisation; Britain’s Got Talent 2015 semi-finalists, Braimah and Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, siblings of Antiguan and Barbudan heritage; The first Master of The King’s Music, Errollyn Wallen, and Samoan soprano, Aivale Cole; and Joan Armatrading CBE. 

A reflection was also made by Sirri ‘Cynthia’ Wakuna Ngang, a young women and girls’ rights activist from Cameroon. Leanne Ellul read her new poem titled “A Résumé of Bees”, which weaves together themes related to the human experience.

Members of the Royal Family also had the opportunity to meet with other members of the congregation who were involved in the service, including the Commonwealth Flag Bearers.

Commonwealth Sport King’s Baton Relay

Following the service, The King officially launched the inaugural King’s Baton Relay from the quadrangle of Buckingham Palace. This marked the 18th official Commonwealth Games relay, and His Majesty’s first as King. 

During the event, His Majesty placed a message for the Commonwealth Games into the Baton, which was then sealed by three-time Paralympic champion and two-time world champion in track cycling, Kadeena Cox. The King’s message will remain inside the Baton until the Opening Ceremony on Thursday 23rd July. 

There were four Baton bearers involved in the relay: Olympic and Commonwealth Champion Sir Chris Hoy, Scottish Paralympic and Commonwealth medal winning T53 wheelchair racer, Sammi Kinghorn MBE; Royal Commonwealth Society Volunteer, Keiran Healy, who was instrumental in the setup of the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign; and Gabriella Wood, Olympic and Commonwealth Judoka from Trinidad and Tobago, who studies at the University of Stirling.

Commonwealth Day Reception

In the evening, Their Majesties attended a Commonwealth Day Reception at Marlborough House, the home of the Commonwealth Secretariat.  

The King and Queen met guests and watched a performance of a commemorative song by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The song ‘Love in Peace’ was performed by singers from The BRIT School and The Choir of The Queen’s College and marks the first Commonwealth Peace Prize which was awarded to Imam Dr Muhammas Nurayn Ashafa and Rev. Dr James Movel Wuye.