On 22nd April 2010 the RCS helped to organise the simultaneous release of 54 live butterflies by school children from Westminster School. The event took place in the picturesque College Gardens, in the shadow of Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.

Following a brief introduction about the Commonwealth from Danny Sriskandarajah, Director of the RCS, the butterflies which symbolised each of the 54 member states of the Commonwealth were released by the group of eager school children. Also present was the Revd Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster Abbey and Dr Stephen Spurr, Headmaster of Westminster School. Danny Sriskandarajah said, "A butterfly release is an imaginative way of illustrating the individuality and vibrancy of the modern Commonwealth's 54 countries".

The butterfly release was followed by a lecture on Why is Science Important? Addressing the question, in front of an audience of school children from several local schools, was Alom Shaha, a physics teacher, broadcaster and science writer. Both the butterfly release and science lecture were carried out to celebrate the modern Commonwealth and highlight the Commonwealth Theme for 2010, Science, Technology and Society.

The theme is being celebrated at numerous events around the Commonwealth throughout the year. In March, it took centre stage at the annual Commonwealth Day celebrations at Westminster Abbey, attended by Her Majesty the Queen, patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society and Head of the Commonwealth. Find out more information about the Commonwealth Theme here.