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  1. Home
  2. The Commonwealth

The Commonwealth

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 independent and equal sovereign states encompassing many ethnicities and faiths. Each is committed to upholding shared values and principles to promote and protect Democracy, Human Rights, the Rule of Law and Equality for all citizens in accordance with the Commonwealth Charter. 

The modern Commonwealth spans the six regions of Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Pacific. Thirty-one members are small states, many of which are island nations. The total population is assessed at 2.4 billion people, approximately one third of the world, of which 1.5 billion are under 30 years of age. 

The relevance and strength of the modern Commonwealth lies in its network of diaspora, cultural and sporting links, the widespread use of a common language and a strong shared legal heritage. These values, characteristics, and interests have endangered a common interest and trust between the peoples and communities of this unique and widely diverse association of independent countries. 

Outside of the core of inter-governmental agencies, the Commonwealth benefits from a number of civil society and professional bodies that represent the evolution of the modern Commonwealth and the many links between peoples, communities and interests upon which it is built. The Royal Commonwealth Society is a leading body within this group of independent orgnanisations. 

The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message 2020

The Queen's Commonwealth Day Message 2020

Read more

Published: 6th March, 2020

Updated: 8th April, 2020

Author: Elizabeth van der Valk

Related topics:
  • The Commonwealth
Commonwealth Theme

Commonwealth Theme

Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming Read more

Published: 7th March, 2020

Updated: 26th March, 2020

Author: Elizabeth van der Valk

Related topics:
  • The Commonwealth
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Latest

  • In conversation with RCS Ambassador, David Walliams

    In conversation with RCS Ambassador, David Walliams

    Join us this Friday 4th December at 12:00 GMT as David Walliams shares why he became an inaugural Ambassador for the Royal Commonwealth Society and talks about his writing and the importance of literacy.

  • In conversation with RCS Ambassador, Geri Horner

    In conversation with RCS Ambassador, Geri Horner

    Join us on Monday 7th December at 12:00 GMT as Chair of the Royal Commonwealth Society, Dr Linda Yueh speaks with Geri Horner about why she became an inaugural Ambassador for the Society.

  • Regional Co-ordinators for 2020-2022 appointed

    Regional Co-ordinators for 2020-2022 appointed

    We are delighted to welcome Regional Co-ordinators for Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe and the Pacific and look forward to working with them to improve the lives and prospects of all Commonwealth citizens.

  • 13,000 reasons for a better future

    13,000 reasons for a better future

    With 13,000 entries from across the Commonwealth we are delighted to announce that judging is now complete and certificates are available to download at competitions.thercs.org. Congratulations to all who entered!

Most read

  • Anthony Joshua and Lewis Pugh appointed Ambassadors

    Anthony Joshua and Lewis Pugh appointed Ambassadors

    World heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, OBE, and UN Patron of Oceans, Lewis Pugh, OIG, have been appointed Ambassadors of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

  • The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition

    The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition

    Watch this year's Awards Ceremony, find out more about the 2020 winners, read their incredible pieces about climate action and find out more about the Competition.

  • HRH The Duchess of Cornwall Encourages Entries To The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2020

    HRH The Duchess of Cornwall Encourages Entries To The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2020

    The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition has been gathering English language entries of aspiring young writers' thoughts on key issues of the day since 1883. With children across the Commonwealth out of school, we are delighted to share a message from our Vice-Patron HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, inspiring children and young people to enter The Queens Commonwealth Essay Competition 2020.

  • Regional Co-ordinators for 2020-2022 appointed

    Regional Co-ordinators for 2020-2022 appointed

    We are delighted to welcome Regional Co-ordinators for Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe and the Pacific and look forward to working with them to improve the lives and prospects of all Commonwealth citizens.

  • Accessibility

  • Enter the Competition

    Enter the Competition

    Stay tuned for details of The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2021 which will uploaded in the next few weeks.

  • Geri Horner, David Walliams, Alexandra Burke and Gyles Brandreth appointed Ambassadors

    Geri Horner, David Walliams, Alexandra Burke and Gyles Brandreth appointed Ambassadors

    To mark the Society's 152nd anniversary, Geri Horner, David Walliams, Alexandra Burke and Gyles Brandreth have been appointed as inaugural Ambassadors.

  • Winning Pieces

    Winning Pieces

    From more than 11,000 entries, five pieces were selected as the Winners and Runners up of The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2019. Read them here.

  • Social Action Youth Exchange Programme: UK-Cyprus

    Social Action Youth Exchange Programme: UK-Cyprus

    An opportunity for young Cypriots aged 18-25 to discover another culture and become active citizens. A chance to inspire others and make a difference through youth social action. Application deadline is 10AM GMT Monday, 25 January 2021.

  • The Commonwealth Service

    The Commonwealth Service

    Held in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth Service is the world's premier, inter-faith, public event to celebrate the Commonwealth.

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Royal Commonwealth Society is a registered charity in England and Wales (226748), incorporated by Royal Charter.
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