The Queen has been Head of the Commonwealth throughout her 60 year reign. This is an important symbolic and unifying role. As Head, Her Majesty personally reinforces the links by which the Commonwealth joins people together from around the world.

Listen to The Queen's speech made on her 21st birthday in which she pledges her life to the service of the Commonwealth:

In 1949 the London Declaration recognised the British Monarch as the symbol of the free association of independent member nations and as Head of the Commonwealth. Upon the death of her father King George VI and her accession to the throne, The Queen became Head of the Commonwealth, recognised by Commonwealth leaders in that capacity.

Throughout Her Majesty’s reign, the Commonwealth has grown from just seven nations to 54 members representing two billion people. During this time, The Queen has played a unique part as a symbol of unity and strength at the heart of the Commonwealth.

One of the ways of strengthening these connections is through regular Commonwealth visits.

During her reign, The Queen has undertaken more than 200 visits to Commonwealth countries and visited every country of the Commonwealth (with the exception of Cameroon, which joined in 1995 and Rwanda which joined in 2009) as well as making many repeat visits.

One third of The Queen's total overseas visits are to Commonwealth countries. A full list of Her Majesty’s Commonwealth visits can be found on the Commonwealth Visits page.

The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales and other members of the Royal Family are also regular visitors to the Commonwealth.

The Queen keeps in touch with Commonwealth developments through regular contact with the Commonwealth Secretary-General and his Secretariat. This is the Commonwealth's central organisation.

Based in London, it co-ordinates many Commonwealth activities. Her Majesty also has regular meetings with Heads of Government from Commonwealth countries.