The Queen has been Head of the Commonwealth since coming to the throne in 1952 and despite being next in line for the throne, Prince Charles is not guaranteed of the honour.
A statement on the Commonwealth Secretariat website states: “When the Queen dies or if she abdicates, her heir will not automatically become Head of the Commonwealth.
“It will be up to the Commonwealth heads of government to decide what they want to do about this symbolic role.”
The week-long Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) began today and a decision about Prince Charles is expected on Friday.
Asked whether Theresa May believed Charles should be the Commonwealth’s next head, her spokesman said: “This is obviously a decision that is taken later in the week, a decision taken by all the members together.
“I think that all happens on Friday.”
He told the Andrew Marr Show: “I think the Commonwealth ought to really get a chance decide who its own head is.
“The Queen is obviously very personally committed to the Commonwealth.
“After her, I think it’s time for the Commonwealth to decide who its own president is on a rotational basis.”
Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Scotland appeared to sidestep questions over her personal preference during a TV interview on Sunday, saying that the 53 heads of government “will make a decision in whatever way they determine”.
A spokesman for Mrs May said the UK backs Charles to succeed her as Head of the Commonwealth but the “succession is a matter for the Commonwealth as a whole to determine”.
Corbyn: After Queen’s reign Commonwealth should decide leader
“Succession is a matter for the Commonwealth as a whole to determine.”
In an earlier statement, Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, looks forward to welcoming the Commonwealth leaders into Her Majesty’s homes in London and Windsor.
“The Queen and the Royal Family have a deep affection for, and enduring belief in the Commonwealth, its values, and what binds it together as a global network of 53 countries.”
Earlier today it was announced the Queen bestowed the role of Commonwealth Youth Ambassador on Charles’ son Prince Harry, who along with the British Prime Minister delivered a speech at the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting this morning.
“I am also incredibly grateful that the woman I am about to marry, Meghan, will be joining me in this work, of which she too is hugely excited to take part in.”
The Prince said he looked for inspiration for his new role from his grandmother the Queen and he highlighted her famous speech from 1947 where she pledged her life to the Commonwealth.
He said: “On the day of her 21st birthday, the then Princess Elizabeth gave an extraordinary radio address from Cape Town.
“All of us here today can be grateful that it is a long life the Queen is still enjoying.
“Her Majesty’s commitment has meant that the Commonwealth is a thriving family of nations, a common link between nearly two-and-a-half billion people, and a defender of democracy, justice and peace.”
Clarence House declined to comment.
Courtesy: EXPRESS
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