The Queen and The Commonwealth

A Commonwealth Chronology

 

Telling the Stories of The Commonwealth

 

The Commonwealth Chronology illustrates the creation of the 21st century Commonwealth, showing its expansion from its establishment as a voluntary organisation on 28 April 1949,
with the eight founding Nations -
Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom
- to its current 54 member states.

When the eight founding Nations joined together and formed the ‘Modern Commonwealth’,
they invited His Majesty King George VI to become the first Head of The Commonwealth. 

Following the death of King George VI, on 6 February 1952, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the Throne, and the eight founding Commonwealth Nations invited The Queen to succeed
King George VI, as second Head of The Commonwealth. 

In 2022 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has now been the Head of The Commonwealth for 70 years. 

 

1949

1. Australia

2. Canada

3. India

4. New Zealand

5. Pakistan

6. South Africa

7. Sri Lanka

8. United Kingdom