Queen Elizabeth has publicly tipped her son Prince Charles as the next Commonwealth Leader ahead of a critical decision on who shall serve as head of the group due on Friday.
As law dictates, just because Prince Charles will inherit the throne when his mother passes away or if she abdicates doesn’t mean he’ll be guaranteed to automatically become the new Head of the Commonwealth. In other words, the role is not hereditary.
And with that in mind, Her Majesty, who will turn 92 on Saturday, has voiced her “sincere wish” that her son carries on the important work.
“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,” the beloved monarch said at the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in London on Thursday.
“By continuing to treasure and reinvigorate our associations and activities, I believe we will secure a safer, more prosperous and sustainable world for those who follow us: a world where the Commonwealth’s generosity of spirit can bring its gentle touch of healing and hope to all,” she continued.
Queen Elizabeth has publicly backed her son Prince Charles as the next Commonwealth Leader.
Prince Charles, too, threw his hat into the ring as he described the Commonwealth as a “fundamental feature” of his life.
“For my part, the Commonwealth has been a fundamental feature of my life for as long as I can remember, beginning with my first visit to Malta when I was just 5 years old,” he said, in his own opening remarks at the summit.
“And so, Ladies and Gentlemen, I pray that this Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting will not only revitalize the bonds between our countries, but will also give the Commonwealth a renewed relevance to all citizens, finding practical solutions to their problems and giving life to their aspirations.”
“By doing so, the Commonwealth can be a cornerstone for the lives of future generations, just as it has been for so many of us.”
A meeting will take place this week at Windsor Castle to discuss if Prince Charles should become the Head of the Commonwealth.
British Labour politician Jeremy Corbyn has previously voiced his opinion that Prince Charles shouldn’t automatically inherit the top job.
“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,” he said on BBC programme Andrew Marr Show.
“After her, I think it’s time for the Commonwealth to decide who its own president is on a rotational basis.”
While Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Scotland opted for a more diplomatic explanation when quizzed on the matter, saying the 53 heads of the Commonwealth “will make a decision in whatever way they determine.”
Her Majesty has been the ruler of the Commonwealth since she took to the throne in 1952. She will continue to lead the group until her death or if she abdicates.
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