Tristan represented on Commonwealth Day 2025
Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy
On 10th March 2025, I was privileged to represent Tristan at events in London to mark Commonwealth Day.
The Commonwealth flag is raised at Portcullis House
The central event was a service at Westminster Abbey. King Charles and Princess Kate were there, returning after illness prevented their attendance last year. Queen Camilla, Prince William and the Princess Royal were also present. It's an honour that the UK's Overseas Territories are invited to such a special occasion.
Chris with Falkland Islands' Richard Hyslop and St Helena's Kedell Worboys
At the conclusion of the service I met Yusuf Thomas, a young South African studying creative and cultural entrepreneurship in London who carried his country's flag in the Abbey parade. South Africa's vital ties with Tristan made for a happy encounter.
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Above: Chris by OT flags on show Right: With South Africa's flag-bearer Yusuf Thomas. |
The day had begun with a ceremonial raising of the Commonwealth flag in Parliament's Portcullis House. The flags of the Overseas Territories proudly flew in the same space.
Tristan's link to the Commonwealth is through its status as part of the monarch's UK realm. King Charles is an enthusiastic supporter of the OTs, and especially of their stewardship of precious natural environments.