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Reign change as Queen turns to Prince Charles

The Queen has formally begun the process of reign change in favour of Prince Charles.

The Queen with Prince Charles at the opening of CHOGM last night. Picture: AFP
The Queen with Prince Charles at the opening of CHOGM last night. Picture: AFP

The Queen has formally begun the process of reign change in favour of Prince Charles.

At the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at Buckingham Palace last night, the Queen expressed a “sincere wish” to the gathered 53 heads of ­nations that they would one day decide to appoint the Prince of Wales and heir to the British throne as her successor as head of the Commonwealth.

Malcolm and Lucy Turnbull arrive at Buckingham Palace for an official reception. Picture: AP.
Malcolm and Lucy Turnbull arrive at Buckingham Palace for an official reception. Picture: AP.

That “one day” is likely to be tomorrow at Windsor Castle, the day before the Queen’s 92nd birthday, as Commonwealth leaders gather for a retreat hosted by the Queen for the last time. British Prime Minister Theresa May and Malcolm Turnbull have declared Prince Charles should succeed the Queen as head of the Commonwealth, a role she has held for ­almost 70 years.

At a ceremonial opening of CHOGM with flags flying outside the palace and entertainment from across the Commonwealth, the Queen described her role as head of the Commonwealth as an “extraordinary journey”.

The Queen at a 1953 prime ministers conference, a year after she became the monarch.
The Queen at a 1953 prime ministers conference, a year after she became the monarch.

“It remains a great pleasure and honour to serve you as head of the Commonwealth and to observe with pride and satisfaction, that this is a flourishing work,” 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. By continuing to treasure and reinvigorate our associations and activities, I believe we will secure a safer, more prosperous and sustainable world.”

The Queen went to great lengths to ensure this CHOGM was held in London so that she could preside for one last time ­because she has effectively given up attending CHOGMs overseas.

Mauritius's Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth (L) and his wife Kobita Ramdanee arrive to attend the Queen's dinner at Buckingham Palace. Picture: AFP
Mauritius's Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth (L) and his wife Kobita Ramdanee arrive to attend the Queen's dinner at Buckingham Palace. Picture: AFP

“When I meet the young leaders of this century, I remember my own lifelong commitment (to the Commonwealth) — made in South Africa in 1947 at the age of 21. As another birthday approaches this week, I am reminded of the extraordinary journey we have been on, and how much good has been achieved,” she said.

During that South African speech, on her birthday, the then Princess Elizabeth declared “before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong”.

The queen would retain the title of head of the commonwealth but Charles would function in the role. The change is seen as the first step in the Queen’s withdrawal from onerous duties. The Queen has been preparing for years to shift the role to Prince Charles.

Despite some discussions within the Commonwealth and a public call by British Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn for a democratic ballot to find a leader among the Commonwealth leaders, it is now clear CHOGM will select the Prince.

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/foreign-affairs/reign-change-as-queen-turns-to-prince-charles/news-story/da4263506a5de4812f75fd2f58660a67