Founded in 1868, the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) is an educational charity and international NGO working to promote an appreciation and understanding of the nature and working of the modern Commonwealth, as well as the factors which shape the lives of its peoples and the policies of its governments.

The RCS is non-political and independent of governments, and is supported by a membership, in the UK and around the world, of some 6,000, in around one hundred countries and territories. There are also a worldwide network of over 70 self-governing RCS branches and Commonwealth societies, with a membership of over 10,000 in 39 countries and territories.

The RCS international headquarters are in London at the newly renovated and expanded Commonwealth Club, which provides a central place in London for Commonwealth people to meet, stay and dine, is a spectacular venue for events, and is London’s premier multicultural meeting place.

The RCS and the Commonwealth

The mission of the Royal Commonwealth Society is to support and promote the modern Commonwealth and its core values that celebrate diversity and multiculturalism. Its public affairs programme, consisting of panel discussions, conferences, publications, and research and policy development, is at the forefront of debate on Commonwealth issues. This is complemented by the RCS’s outreach programmes like the Commonwealth Essay Competition and Youth CHOGMs; Commonwealth Day, the Commonwealth Carol Service and the Commonwealth Vision Awards; and art exhibitions and cultural events. The RCS also maintains a strong pan-Commonwealth presence through the activities of its network of affiliated branches and societies and by its involvement in both Commonwealth civil society and ministerial-level meetings.

The modern Commonwealth has evolved into a unique global family of 53 member countries, encompassing a multitude of cultures, religions and institutions. The Commonwealth's 1.8 billion people make up a quarter of the world's population and can be found in every ocean and continent of the globe.  Its members use English as a common working language and share similar systems of law, public administration and education. Equality, democracy and development are core beliefs of the association and these are reflected in its official programmes and in the work of a myriad of civil society organisations, making up the unofficial Commonwealth, of which the RCS is one.

The Royal Commonwealth Society
at the Commonwealth Club
25 Northumberland Avenue
London WC2N 5AP

Tel:     +44 (0) 20 7766 9200
Fax:     +44 (0) 20 7930 9705

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Web:   www.rcsint.org