Commonwealth launches Flag for Peace to celebrate 10th anniversary of Charter

Commonwealth member states are being invited to support the Commonwealth of Nations Flag for Peace initiative across the Commonwealth ahead of Commonwealth Day 2023 which will be the first presided over by His Majesty King Charles III as Head of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth Day 2023 also marks the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter which was signed by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 11 March 2013. The Commonwealth Flag for Peace features a white dove of peace in the bottom right-hand corner of the Commonwealth flag, symbolising the shared values and principles of the Commonwealth, including co-operation on economic and social development, diversity, respect, friendship and the promotion of peace around the world.

Speaking on the Commonwealth Flag for Peace, Commonwealth Secretary-General the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said:

“The Charter of the Commonwealth, signed on 11 March 2013, is a landmark document. It is the definitive expression of the values and aspirations of all Commonwealth countries.”

“Assessed against our own history, and against the vast history of human struggle and progress, the Commonwealth is closer to those values than ever before. So while the whole Commonwealth celebrates the tenth anniversary of the signing of our Charter, the Flag for Peace is a fitting way to recognise those values as we endeavour to live up to them.”

Every city in the UK will receive a flag that they can choose to raise following short ceremonies on Commonwealth Day, Monday 13th March. Some ceremonies will include a Commonwealth Proclamation to be read by Town Criers, accompanied by fanfares, pipers and cathedral or church bells later that evening.

Flags for Peace will also be shared with every Commonwealth nation, with young people encouraged to participate in Commonwealth Day activities as part of the Commonwealth Year of Youth 2023.

The Commonwealth Flag for Peace initiative will be delivered in partnership with the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust and Bruno Peek, Pageantmaster, in tribute to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This will be the first Commonwealth Day since her passing.