Who We Are

The Royal Commonwealth Society was founded in 1868 as the Colonial Society, became the Royal Empire Society in 1882, and assumed its present title in 1958. It has headquarters in London, England, with some 70 branches and affiliations in 40 countries. There are some 10,000 members of the RCS worldwide.

What We Stand For

The Society believes that the Commonwealth is an important influence for good in the world. The value of this community, comprising more than 50 countries, representative of all geographic regions of the world and containing almost one third of the world's population, lies in its great diversity of races, cultures, creeds, and political beliefs, as well as in its ability to communicate and act constructively for peaceful ends.

United by English as a common working language, the member countries form a network of mutual assistance in many areas, including economic affairs, development, research, law, education, health, and communication. All members are equal and free to follow their own policies; all subscribe to a set of common ideals, including equal rights for all citizens and the liberty of the individual, opposition to colonial domination, and racial domination and oppression, and the realization of a fairer society.