The Commonwealth has launched the Nations Flag for Peace initiative ahead of Commonwealth Day 2023, which will be the first presided over by His Majesty King Charles III.
Commonwealth Day 2023 also marks the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter, first signed by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 11 March 2013.
The Commonwealth Flag for Peace will feature a white dove of peace in the bottom right-hand corner of the Commonwealth flag, symbolising the shared values and principles of the Commonwealth.
“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,” said Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland.
“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 10th 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, 13 March 2023. Flags will also be shared with every Commonwealth nation.
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.
The 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.
