The term was often used by 17th-century writers, for example, Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, to signify the concept of the organized political community. The relevance of the Commonwealth in a postcolonial world has been the subject of debate in recent years. commonwealth, a body politic founded on law for the common weal, or good. 'Commonwealth' is a traditional English term used to describe a political community as having been founded for the common good. In the UK, the Union Jack is flown from UK public buildings on Commonwealth Day, and the Scottish Parliament Building flies the Commonwealth flag too. Commonwealth is a term used by four of the 50 states of the United States in their full official state names. This day was first celebrated in 1902 on the date of Queen Victoria’s birthday, January 22, and its original purpose was to be a ‘symbol of that unity of feeling… to those ideals of freedom, justice, and tolerance for which the British Empire throughout the world’.Įmpire Day was renamed Commonwealth Day in 1958, and its date was changed to the second Monday in March in 1974. The day consists of Queen Elizabeth II, who is Head of the Commonwealth, coming to Westminster Abbey for a multi-faith ceremony featuring a representative from each member state.Īccompanied by Prince Philip and some of other posse members, the Queen delivers an address to her nations which is broadcast across the globe.

Each country in the Commonwealth has a representative at Westminster Abbey on the day (Picture: Getty)

What is the meaning of commonwealth