On 9 March 2026, Commonwealth Day, a gathering of dignitaries, representatives from Commonwealth Nations, veteran associations, and service personnel took place at the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill in London. This year the theme for the annual event was the importance women have played during conflicts over time. With special recognition for Noor Inayat Khan, who worked with the Special Operations Executive (SOE). The SOE was established in 1940 and was a covert espionage, sabotage and support resistance movements across Nazi-occupied Europe and in East Asia. Approximately 23% of the agents were Women. Noor was of Sufi heritage and became the first female wireless operator sent into occupied France.
Those in attendance were greeted by The Rt Hon The Lord Boateng CVO, Chairman of the Memorial Gates Council. A speech was then delivered by author and historian Shrabani Basu. The prayers were delivered by Acharya Krishankant Attri MBE (Hindu Chaplain to the Armed Forces). The Address was read by The Rt Hon Shirley Botchway (Secretary-General of the Commonwealth).
A bugler sounded Last The two King’s Gurkha Orderly Officers stood to attention, either side of the monument for the event, followed by a two-minute silence and a lament by a bagpiper. This was followed by the wreath laying by the representatives of each Commonwealth country and the military organisations present, including the Brigade of Gurkhas and antecedent regiments.
The two King’s Gurkha Orderly Officers stood to attention on either side of the monument for the event, and musical support came from The Band of the Household Cavalry and the Commonwealth Children’s Choir.
The Memorial Gates were officially inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II on 6 November 2002. Erected as a lasting memorial to honour the five million men and women from the Indian subcontinent, Africa, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean and Nepal who volunteered to serve with the Armed Forces during the First and Second World Wars. The Gates also celebrate the contributions that these servicemen and women, and now their descendants from 56 members of the Commonwealth Family and Nepal, have made and continue to make to the rich diversity of British society.
Photography by Mr Mick Latter – Director of Media and Communications Brigade of Gurkhas
