Monday 9th March 2026

Their Majesties The King and Queen, accompanied by the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will attend the annual Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration at Westminster Abbey.

The King and Queen and members of the Royal Family will join a 1,800 strong congregation in Westminster Abbey to celebrate Commonwealth Day 2026. Inspired by the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 theme Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth, the 2026 Commonwealth Day Service will celebrate collaboration as the defining strength of the modern Commonwealth.

Delivered by the Royal Commonwealth Society, the Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration brings together government representatives, young people and leading voices from the creative community, providing an example of the Commonwealth at its best - its diverse voices harmonised in common purpose.

This year's service will feature several landmark artistic moments. These include the world premiere of the Commonwealth Symphony composed by Rekesh Chauhan and a bespoke dance collaboration between the Royal Ballet School and Sapnay Entertainments Ltd., uniting classical ballet and Bollywood in a powerful expression of cross-cultural partnership.

The service will also include an address from Royal Commonwealth Society Ambassador Geri Halliwell-Horner, a reflection from Oti Mabuse and a poem from Selina Tusitala Marsh, the inaugural Commonwealth Poet Laureate. Additional performances will include a Scottish Ceilidh band, the Melodians Steel Drum Orchestra, and further special reflections and readings from notable guests.

The Commonwealth Day Service celebrates the Commonwealth of Nations, 56 independent member countries, united by shared values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter including a commitment to promoting democracy, human rights, the rule of law and equality for its 2.7 billion citizens.

Later the King and Queen, accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will host the annual Commonwealth Day Reception at St James’s Palace.

This year’s Commonwealth Day theme, Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous Commonwealth, highlights the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s commitment to facilitating the development of high-impact opportunities that reach people across the Commonwealth. Shirley Botchwey was appointed Secretary General in 2025.

The King and Queen will meet guests, including Foreign Ministers, and UK Parliamentarians. During the reception a choir from Malta will be performing.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/commonwealth-camilla-prince-princess-of-wales-royal-b2931306.html