Find out about this year's Commonwealth Day
Commonwealth Day took place on Monday 13 March, 2023, marking the beginning of a week-long series of events and activities around the globe – including faith and civic gatherings, debates, school assemblies, flag-raising ceremonies and cultural events.
Commonwealth Day 2023 marked the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter, which was signed by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 11 March 2013.
It was the first Commonwealth Day since Her Majesty’s passing, and the first presided over by His Majesty King Charles III as King and Head of the Commonwealth.
Commonwealth Day photo gallery
Photo gallery
All photos from Commonwealth Day events can be found in our Flickr photo gallery.
Commonwealth Day theme
The theme for Commonwealth Day 2023 was ‘Forging a sustainable and peaceful common future’. The theme combines the active commitment of member states to support the promotion of peace, prosperity and sustainability, especially through climate action, so as to secure a better future for our young people and improve the lives of all Commonwealth citizens.
Schedule
In London, Commonwealth Day 2023 was celebrated with a multicultural, multi-faith service held at Westminster Abbey which featured a procession of young flag bearers representing each of the 56 nations of the Commonwealth, as well as a wreath-laying ceremony at the Commonwealth Memorial Gates, and a flag-raising event for the Commonwealth Flag for Peace.
The event was broadcast live from Westminster Abbey on BBC One, in the programme: 'A Service of Celebration for Commonwealth Day.' The event included performances from musicians from New Zealand, Rwanda and Cyprus.
The Commonwealth Day 2023 service is available to watch on the BBC's YouTube channel.
Commonwealth Day Affirmation and Messages
Commonwealth Day 2023 Message from His Majesty King Charles III
Commonwealth Day 2023 Message from Commonwealth Secretary-General
Commonwealth Day 2022
Commonwealth Day 2022 was celebrated on Monday 14 March 2022, with a service held at Westminster Abbey. See highlights below and view our summary and photo gallery here.
