The Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust (QECT) is delighted to launch the QECT 100 Young Leaders Awards, a landmark programme to celebrate the enduring legacy of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her lifelong commitment to empowering young people across the Commonwealth.

Building on the inspiration of the Queen’s Young Leaders Awards, this new initiative will recognise 100 exceptional changemakers from across the 56 Commonwealth countries who are driving positive change in their communities. These Awards mark what would have been Her Majesty’s 100th birthday in April 2026, honouring her dedication to youth leadership, service, and innovation.

Applications are now open until 8th October 2025. We encourage all young leaders who are making an impact – whether through education and employability, environment, health, food and agriculture, and inclusion – to step forward and apply for this prestigious recognition.

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://www.queenscommonwealthtrust.org/100yla

The post Announcing the QECT 100 Young Leaders Awards appeared first on Queens Commonwealth Trust.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust is delighted to announce its new name: The Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust (QECT), a change that honours the extraordinary legacy of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on request of His Majesty The King and Buckingham Palace.

This name change is more than symbolic – it reaffirms our mission to support young leaders across the Commonwealth who are driving positive, lasting change in their communities. Her late Majesty was a lifelong champion of the Commonwealth and a passionate advocate for its young people. By carrying her name forward, we pay tribute to her firm belief in the power of youth to shape a better future.

We are deeply honoured that His Majesty The King is guiding QECT into this next chapter as our honourable Patron. His continued support underscores the enduring importance of our work and the relevance of our mission in today’s world.

As The Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust, we remain committed to empowering young changemakers with the tools, networks, and opportunities they need to create a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive future – true to the vision of Her late Majesty.

While our name has changed to The Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust (QECT), our social media handles remain the same for your convenience. However, the display name on all our social media platforms has been updated to reflect our new identity. We invite you to continue following and engaging with us as we move forward under this name, staying true to our mission and the legacy of Her late Majesty.

#QECT #QueenElizabethIICommonwealthTrust #YoungLeaders #SocialChange

The post The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust becomes The Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust (QECT) appeared first on Queens Commonwealth Trust.

In the coming days, as thoughts turn to when the world lost an extraordinary leader – Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – we will be both commemorating and celebrating her incredible personal investment in the Commonwealth and its young people. Queen Elizabeth II (then Princess Elizabeth) broadcasted a message where she dedicated her life to the service of the Commonwealth. We cannot say it better than she did: “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and to the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.” 

We are eternally grateful for her unending belief in the young people of the Commonwealth. Her memory inspires us every single day and we look to the future with hope and optimism.

A year after the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, we continue to remember her selfless service and how she personally directed the establishment of The Queen’s Commonwealth Trustin her 90^th year to support young changemakers building a better future for their communities. 

Through The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust , we support young changemakers making a positive difference on climate, education, employment, and health & wellbeing in communities. We provide funding and practical advice and support, as well as a Network of over 850 young changemakers from across the 56 countries in the Commonwealth. 

We are proud to continue supporting the young leaders of the Commonwealth in her memory and helping them to make a real and positive impact in their communities. 

Please join us to continue Her Majesty’s legacy. 

Click here for ways to get involved.

The post Commemorating our late patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II appeared first on Queens Commonwealth Trust.