On Thursday, April 19, the Queen opened the Commonwealth summit that brought 53 leaders, all from former colonies. This is likely to be the last time the Queen, who doubles as Head of the Commonwealth, would preside over the summit.
In her opening remark, Queen Elizabeth expressed hopes that the Prince would carry on from her. This decision on who should take over the role after the Queen, who turns 92 on Saturday, would, however, be made by the leaders on Friday, at the close of the summit.
The two-day summit, taking place at the Buckingham Palace would centre on talks on trade, cybercrime and marine protection.
The Queen, in her opening speech, also talked about her experience through the years as Head of the Commonwealth starting under her father, King George VI in 1949 with the London Declaration. In her remarks she said:
‘’It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations and will decide that one day, the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949,” in reference to Prince Charles.
Even though the position of the Head of the Commonwealth is not hereditary, Prince Charles, 69, and heir to the thrones of 16 Commonwealth nations is to a large extent expected to get a go ahead, despite some tension among Republicans who don’t hold the same view.
