On June 22, 1948, the MT Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex, carrying 1,027 passengers, more than 800 of whom identified their last country of residence as Caribbean nations such as Jamaica, Trinidad, St Lucia, Grenada, and Barbados. This marked the beginning of a significant wave of migration from the Caribbean to the United Kingdom in the post-World War II era, as the British government sought to address labor shortages by inviting workers from Commonwealth countries to help rebuild the nation.

Under the British Nationality Act of 1948, these migrants held the status of "Citizen of the UK and Colonies," granting them the legal right to live and work in the UK. Many were veterans who had served in the British armed forces during the war and were aiming to establish new lives in Britain. The group aboard the Windrush included 684 males and 257 females over the age of 12, along with 86 children aged 12 and under. Passengers typically paid £28 for the journey, equivalent to about £1,000 today. Upon arrival, many found employment in manual labor, transportation, cleaning roles, and sectors such as the newly formed National Health Service.

The term "Windrush generation" has since become emblematic of the thousands who migrated from Caribbean countries to the UK between 1948 and 1973, often to join family members or work in critical roles. However, decades after their arrival and contributions, the Windrush generation faced significant hardships. In 2018, it was revealed that some individuals and their descendants had been wrongfully threatened with deportation, denied NHS treatment, benefits, and pensions, and even lost their jobs due to documentation issues. This prompted an official government apology and the establishment of compensation schemes for those who suffered losses.

Since 2018, Windrush Day has been observed each June to recognize the contributions of Caribbean migrants and their descendants to British society. The 75th anniversary in 2023 was marked with commemorative events including concerts, exhibitions, and seminars. During a reception at Buckingham Palace, King Charles paid tribute to the Windrush generation, acknowledging their “profound and permanent contribution to British life.”