After Queen, Prince Charles likely to head Commonwealth
London (PTI): Prince Charles is likely to become the head of the Commonwealth after Queen Elizabeth II. "The question of whether Charles will inherit the title of Head of the Commonwealth is now being considered," 'The Daily Telegraph' quoted a source as saying here. In fact, for the first time, the 58-year-old Prince of Wales will attend the Commonwealth Summit in Uganda later this month along the 81-year-old Queen.
Prince Charles would participate in a round-table discussion with Commonwealth Foreign Ministers at the summit which will start from Nov 21. "He may also join leaders from the 53 member states when they go into retreat at Munyonyo resort on the shores of Lake Victoria. "The aim is to introduce him to Commonwealth leaders as the organisation prepares for the Queen's passing. "Under the Royal Titles Act of 1953, the Queen is formally Head of the Commonwealth," the daily quoted the unnamed source as saying.
An interval of perhaps five months will elapse before the coronation of Prince Charles as King after the Queen dies. During this period, Commonwealth leaders are expected to reach a consensus as to whether he should also inherit her title as head of the organisation, the daily claimed.
At present, 16 countries recognise the Queen as their Head of State, notably Canada, Australia and New Zealand. They would be likely to favour the new king becoming Head of the Commonwealth, the report said.
It may be mentioned that Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe had recently said: "We have tremendous respect for the Queen. Every member of the Royal Family has been to Zimbabwe and we've tremendous respect for every member of that family. We respect them and we continue to respect them."
International
