Royal Commonwealth Society Announces Rebrand Of Flagship Youth Writing Competition

The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) announces the rebrand of its flagship youth writing initiative, The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition. The competition will now be known as The Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition, marking an important evolution in its history. The new name reflects a broader, more inclusive approach to written expression, embracing creativity in all its forms while continuing to champion the power of young voices across the Commonwealth.

As part of this evolution, the competition’s structure has been redesigned to encourage greater participation and ensure stronger regional representation. The competition will be open to all Commonwealth nationals or residents under 18, bringing participants together within a single age category. In addition to one overall winner, the competition will now recognise one winner from each of the five regions of the Commonwealth, ensuring that excellence in writing is celebrated across all regions.

Janet Cooper OBE, Chair of the Royal Commonwealth Society, said:

“As we look to the future of this historic competition, this reimagining marks an important and timely evolution. By strengthening regional representation across the Commonwealth, we are ensuring that a greater diversity of voices, perspectives, and experiences are reflected and celebrated. This renewed structure honours our long-standing legacy while positioning the competition to be more inclusive, accessible and responsive to young people across all regions. It is a change rooted in our values and one that will enable the competition to flourish for generations to come.”

The rebrand is further reflected in a refreshed visual identity. The updated logo incorporates the Royal Commonwealth Society’s five brand colours, with the crown now composed of five pen nibs. This design symbolises creativity, writing, and the five regions of the Commonwealth coming together.

The competition is honoured to be supported by Her Majesty the Queen, who serves as Vice-Patron to the Royal Commonwealth Society. A longstanding advocate for literacy, Her Majesty has consistently championed the power of reading and writing to open opportunities and foster connection across the Commonwealth, reflecting a deep belief in literacy and education as foundations for personal growth and cultural understanding. This shared vision continues to resonate strongly across the Commonwealth, as reflected in the competition’s remarkable 53% growth in participation over the past year.

Through this rebrand, the Royal Commonwealth Society reinforces its mission to inspire young people, champion education, and foster a sense of shared identity and creativity across the Commonwealth. The Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition will open to entrants on the 4 March 2026.

NOTE:

The Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition (QCWC) is the world’s oldest international writing contest. Delivered by the Royal Commonwealth Society for over 140 years, it provides a platform for young people to express their ideas, aspirations, and experiences through creative writing.

The competition is open to under-18 nationals or residents of all Commonwealth countries and territories, Hong Kong, Ireland, and Zimbabwe, plus residents of non-Commonwealth countries with an RCS branch or partner organisation (entries via local branch).

Each year, the theme is drawn from Commonwealth values and principles. It encourages young people to engage with pressing issues of the day, such as the environment, equality, and youth leadership, to foster an open-minded and empathetic worldview.

Since 2010, this high-profile competition has engaged over 278,000 young people, over 5,700 schools, and thousands of volunteer judges across the Commonwealth, with a record number of participants in 2025.

The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) is a network of individuals and organisations committed to improving the lives and prospects of Commonwealth citizens across the world.

Through youth empowerment, education, and high-level advocacy, the Society champions education, equality and the environment across the Commonwealth’s 56 member nations.

Our unique position within the Commonwealth family allows us to play a pivotal role in convening and connecting the Commonwealth’s political and diplomatic representatives, civil society, business and youth leaders, on a wide range of issues, as well as to deliver highlights of the Commonwealth calendar such as the annual Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration at Westminster Abbey and the High Commissioners’ Banquet at Guildhall or Mansion House.

Founded in 1868, the Society is privileged to have His Majesty The King as Patron and Her Majesty The Queen as Vice-Patron.

The Society is non-partisan, independent of governments and relies on public generosity to achieve its mission. More information at: www.royalcwsociety.org

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