Succession debate? Britain's Queen Elizabeth II backs son Charles to take on Commonwealth role
Charles & Elizabeth at CHOGM
The queen has been the head of Commonwealth since 1952
In a move which is certain to fuel the succession debate, Britain's queen Elizabeth II, 92, said today that she hopes Prince Charles, 69, will carry on the work in the Commonwealth started by her father in 1949.
The queen has been the head of Commonwealth since 1952. The Commonwealth evolved after the end of the British Empire in the 1940 and 50s as several nations in Asia and Africa gained independence from Britain.
The role of leadership of the Commonwealth was at the centre of debate ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting(CHOGM). The position of the head of the Commonwealth is not hereditery in nature.
“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 Queen said at the opening of the CHOGM at Buckingham Palace today.
Britain's opposition party had suggested it should be rotated around by members. The CHOGM currently has 53 member countries.
In his opening remarks, Prince Charles said: "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."
Earlier, the heads of Commonwealth received a 53-gun salute as London hosted the event for the first time in 20 years.