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British RoyalsFeatures

What is Commonwealth Day?

Commonwealth Day is perhaps one of the most important days in the diary of the Royal Family in any given year. But what exactly is Commonwealth Day?

Commonwealth Day, formally known as Empire Day, is the celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations. Since 1977, the day is often held on the second Monday in March and is marked with an Anglican service at Westminster Abbey in London. The service is normally attended by Her Majesty The Queen as she is Head of the Commonwealth. Other people that can be regularly expected include the Commonwealth Secretary-General and Commonwealth High Commissioners in London.

The idea of a day to remind children of the forming of the British Empire was conceived in 1897. A year later, Canadian Clementina Trenholme introduced an Empire Day to Ontario Schools, taking place on the last school day before 24 March, Queen Victoria’s Birthday.

Empire Day was introduced in the UK in 1904 by Reginald Brabazon, 12th Earl of Meath. School children were given the afternoon off, and further events were held in local communities. Following World War I, the day became a more sombre commemoration. In 1926, the Labour Party passed a resolution to prevent the further celebration of the day.

After World War II on 18 December 1958, Prime Minister Harold Macmillan announced to Parliament that the name of Empire Day would be changed to Commonwealth Day as the Commonwealth and Britain have a shared history, cultural links, and common legal systems. A 1973 proposal by the Royal Commonwealth Society and the Commonwealth Secretariat selected the second Monday in March as the day in which Commonwealth Day is observed.

In particular, in the United Kingdom, the Union Flag is flown from public UK buildings to mark the day. In addition to the service at Westminster Abbey, a reception is hosted by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, and a wreath is laid at the Commonwealth Memorial Gates in London. The wreath is in remembrance of the sacrifices of Commonwealth soldiers. The Queen also gives an annual broadcast to the nation.

While Commonwealth Day has a certain official status, it is not a public holiday in most Commonwealth countries. There is often little public awareness of the day. In Gibraltar, it is marked as a holiday but not in March.

Buckingham Palace confirmed Her Majesty would no longer participate in the ceremony at Westminster Abbey this year. Instead, the Prince of Wales will lead the Royal Family at the service. Other royals expected to attend include the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Princess Alexandra.

About author

My name is Sydney Zatz and I am a University of Iowa graduate. I graduated with a degree in journalism and sports studies, and a minor in sport and recreation management. A highlight of my college career was getting the chance to study abroad in London and experiencing royal history firsthand. I have a passion for royals, royal history, and journalism, which led me to want to write for Royal Central.