Annie Lennox to attend Commonwealth Day Observance

Singer Annie Lennox will address HM Queen Elizabeth II on the Commonwealth Day 2011 theme ‘Women as Agents of Change’, at the annual Commonwealth Day Observance ceremony to mark Commonwealth Day on 14 March.

Ms Lennox, who was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2011 New Year Honours list for services to Oxfam, will speak on this year’s Commonwealth Day theme, which emphasises the Commonwealth message that by investing in women and girls we can accelerate social, economic and political progress in our member states.

As well as an accomplished and ground-breaking musician, Ms Lennox is a passionate advocate of women’s rights. In addition to her work as a Special Envoy for the Scottish Parliament for HIV and AIDS for women and children and a Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS, Ms Lennox has also been presented with Barclays’ 2010 ‘Women of the Year Award’, a Lifetime Achievement award at Harper’s Bazaar’s 2010 ‘Women of the Year awards’, and was GQ magazine’s ‘Charity Woman of the Year 2010’.

The annual Commonwealth Day Observance takes place in the presence of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey. It is attended by Commonwealth leaders, high commissioners, specially invited guests and 1,000 schoolchildren.

The Observance - a colourful and vibrant mix of performances, testimonies and readings, representing all corners of the Commonwealth - is organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society on behalf of the Council of Commonwealth Societies.

The Commonwealth Day theme is celebrated throughout the year, with special events taking place during the week of Commonwealth Day from 14 to 20 March.