The rebrand is reflected in a refreshed visual identity, symbolising creativity, writing, and the five regions of the Commonwealth.
The Royal Commonwealth Society has rebranded its flagship youth writing initiative, formerly known as The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, to The Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition.
The change reflects commitment to strengthening regional representation and making the competition more inclusive and accessible to young people across the Commonwealth.
The competition, supported by Her Majesty The Queen, will now have one winner selected from each of the five regions, with an overall winner chosen from these regional winners.
The rebrand is reflected in a refreshed visual identity, symbolising creativity, writing, and the five regions of the Commonwealth.
The competition will open to entrants on 4 March 2026, with Chair Janet Cooper OBE expressing hope that the changes will enable the competition to flourish for generations to come.
Ethan Charles Mufuuma, became the first Ugandan to win the junior Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) for the year 2021.
A 13-year-old Ugandan pupil at Uganda Martyrs Namilyango Junior Boys School then, Mufuma is a son to Sarah Beatrice Wamakoto and Wilson Mufuma of Makerere in Kampala.
Press Release: The Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition 2026
Dear the Royal Commonwealth Society Supporter,
Today, the Royal Commonwealth Society is pleased to announce the rebrand of its flagship youth writing initiative. The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition will now be known as The Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition.
This evolution reflects a broader, more inclusive approach to written expression, while continuing to champion young voices across the Commonwealth.
The competition structure has also been redesigned to strengthen regional representation. The competition will be open to all Commonwealth nationals or residents under 18, with one winner selected from each of the five regions of the Commonwealth. From these regional winners, one overall winner will be chosen, ensuring excellence in writing is recognized 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 reflected in a refreshed visual identity, including a new logo symbolising creativity, writing, and the five regions of the Commonwealth.
The competition is honoured to be supported by Her Majesty The Queen, Vice-Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society. Her longstanding commitment to literacy continues to inspire young people across the Commonwealth, reflected in a 53% growth in participation over the past year.
The Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition will open to entrants on 4 March 2026.
Warm regards,
The Royal Commonwealth Society
