21 April 2026, marks what would have been the 100th birthday of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. To observe this milestone, Commonwealth Sport has been honoured with an invitation to celebrate at Buckingham Palace alongside members of the Royal Family and representatives from Her Majesty's many charitable patronages. The gathering reflects her legacy throughout her public life and communities across the Commonwealth and beyond.

A legacy to be remembered

Few figures have guided the story of Commonwealth Sport such as Queen Elizabeth II. As Head of the Commonwealth and longstanding Patron, she was a champion of the Games and our core values of humanity, equality and destiny. Her presence was felt across multiple Commonwealth Games and opening ceremonies, from Edmonton in 1978 to Glasgow in 2014, each one a declaration of her personal commitment to the movement.

Following her passing in September 2022, the baton of that tradition passed to His Majesty King Charles III. The Queen's Baton Relay became the King's Baton Relay, and with it came a sense of purpose and sustainability: honouring everything that came before whilst looking ahead to the Commonwealth's future. It is a transition that mirrors our own journey as an organisation as we look to our own centenary in 2030 and beyond.

Carrying the baton forward

The centenary celebration is not only a moment to look back, it is a moment to look forward. In that spirit, two of Commonwealth Sport's next generation have been selected to represent our organisation at the celebration. Working every day to support our athletes, members and Games hosts, they embody the drive and dedication that moves sport and Commonwealth Sport forward as we look towards India 2030.

Olan Chandran, Commonwealth Sport Games Coordinator commented: “It’s a real honour to be invited to such a special occasion, and having grown up in India, the moment feels incredibly surreal. I’m proud to represent both where I come from and the values of Commonwealth Sport, especially given the shared history between India and Britain. 

With India set to host in 2030, it feels like a full circle moment and a reminder of how far we’ve come and an exciting glimpse of where Commonwealth Sport is heading next.

Claire Lomax, the Digital Content Executive was equally excited to represent Commonwealth Sport: “To be invited to Buckingham Palace representing Commonwealth Sport is something I won't forget. It's a reminder of the weight this organisation carries, and how much there still is to look forward to. Being part of that feels like a real privilege and is very exciting.”

Their presence today is deliberate. Recognition that over 60% of the Commonwealth’s citizens are young people under 30. A belief in the power of the next generation to carry great traditions forward, as part of a dynamic and ever changing Movement.

A shared future

Under the patronage of King Charles III, Commonwealth Sport continues the work Her Majesty supported. The values she championed are as vital today as they ever were.

On what would have been her 100th birthday, we are proud to stand as part of Her Majesty’s legacy. And we are equally proud to bring with us the young leaders who will play their part in what comes next.

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