Imagine a moment where the elegance of tradition meets the spark of youthful creativity—right in the heart of Britain’s iconic St. James’s Palace. That’s exactly what unfolded when Her Majesty The Queen, serving as the esteemed Vice-Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society, graciously hosted a special reception for the winners and runners-up of The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just any gathering; it’s a celebration of how young minds from around the globe are reshaping stories about shared heritage. But here’s where it gets controversial—does this event truly bridge divides, or does it gloss over the complex colonial histories tied to the Commonwealth? Let’s dive in and explore this fascinating event together, unpacking its layers for anyone new to the scene.
For those just getting started, the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the values, culture, and connections among the 56 member nations of the Commonwealth—a voluntary association of countries, mostly former British colonies, spanning places like the United Kingdom, Canada, India, Australia, and many in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Founded back in 1868, the RCS has been championing global understanding through education and dialogue ever since. Since 1883, they’ve run The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, the oldest school writing contest of its kind worldwide, encouraging students to write essays that tackle timely themes.
This year’s edition, held in 2025, centered on the evocative theme ‘Our Commonwealth Journey.’ Picture this: it invited budding writers from schools across the Commonwealth to delve into the wide array of geographical, historical, and personal journeys that link and influence these 56 countries. From exploring the migration paths of ancestors to reflecting on cultural exchanges that build modern identities, the topic was designed to be broad yet deeply personal, helping young people connect their own stories to a larger global tapestry. And this is where it gets intriguing—what if some essays challenged the very idea of ‘unity’ within the Commonwealth, questioning whether past imperial ties still cast long shadows? The competition didn’t shy away from such depth, making it a platform for bold voices.
At the reception, Her Majesty The Queen took the stage to honor the achievers. In her address, she beamed with pride, stating: ‘As our Commonwealth continues on its remarkable journey, I am certain that each one of our brilliant finalists has an exciting future ahead of you, using your literary skills to express your concerns and ambitions, to make the unknown accessible and to fill us with hope for the days to come.’ Her words, delivered with that signature warmth, underscored the Queen’s long-standing commitment to literacy and youth empowerment—qualities that have inspired countless initiatives over her reign.
Following the Queen’s inspiring remarks, snippets from the top essays were brought to life through readings by a stellar lineup of personalities: the beloved children’s author Dame Jacqueline Wilson, the insightful journalist Monica Galletti, the legendary singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading, and the energetic Royal Commonwealth Society Ambassador, Geri Halliwell Horner (you might know her better as Ginger Spice from the Spice Girls). Their performances added a touch of star power, making the event feel alive and accessible, much like turning a classroom assignment into a global conversation.
Adding to the gratitude, Janet Cooper OBE, newly appointed as Chair of the Royal Commonwealth Society, delivered her inaugural address. She expressed heartfelt thanks to the competition’s backers, including the historic Westminster Abbey, dedicated volunteers, and, of course, Her Majesty The Queen. ‘We are hugely grateful to our Vice-Patron, Her Majesty The Queen,’ she said. ‘Your commitment to literacy and to empowering young voices continues to inspire the work of the Society.’ It’s a reminder of how partnerships like these fuel educational endeavors, showing beginners that even royal figures play hands-on roles in fostering talent.
As the evening drew to a close, The Queen lingered to enjoy a captivating live performance. Choreographed by the talented Meera Vinaya Krishna, it featured graceful dancers Adhya Shastry, Karishma Parekh, Sharmila Biswas, and Yukta Chegu, accompanied by musicians Rekesh Chauhan and Debipriya Sircar. Together, they wove South Asian dance forms with live music into a dazzling spectacle, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and collaborative spirit of the Commonwealth. For newcomers, think of it as a vibrant fusion—much like how different cuisines blend in a multicultural feast—highlighting unity through art.
This wasn’t just a one-off event; The Queen has been the gracious host for this annual award ceremony for over a decade, year after year, reinforcing her dedication to nurturing emerging writers. And here’s the standout statistic that really grabs attention: The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025 smashed records with a staggering 53,434 entries—a whopping 53% jump from the previous year’s numbers. These submissions poured in from 54 of the 56 Commonwealth countries, with strong showings from Ghana, Nigeria, Malaysia, the Maldives, Bangladesh, the UK, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Singapore. Imagine the diversity of perspectives, from bustling urban tales in Singapore to heartfelt narratives from rural Ghana—it’s a testament to the competition’s global appeal.
Yet, as we reflect on this uplifting story, it’s worth pausing to consider the broader implications. The Commonwealth, born from Britain’s colonial past, has evolved into a forum for cooperation on issues like education and trade. But here’s where opinions diverge: while events like this one promote hope and connection, some critics argue it romanticizes a history marked by inequality and exploitation. Does celebrating ‘journeys’ risk ignoring calls for reparations or deeper reckonings with colonialism? It’s a thought-provoking angle—do you see it as a bridge to a better future, or a missed opportunity to confront uncomfortable truths? We’d love to hear your take: Do such competitions truly empower the next generation, or should they address historical baggage more directly? Share your views in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation going!