Camilla Parker-Bowles has been given a very special Commonwealth role as Prince Charles prepares to become King.
The 71-year-old Duchess of Cornwall was named as the first ever vice-patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society on the organisations 150th anniversary.
During an engagement to mark the occasion, Camilla was welcomed by Ghanaian drummers who, according to Clarence House, were “playing drums from Gambia, Nigeria and Ghana, the three countries which the Duchess will visit next month with the Prince of Wales”.
Camilla’s new role comes as the Queen prepares to “wind down” from her duties as head of the Commonwealth, with Charles being prepared to take over.
Prince Charles was named as the next head of the Commonwealth to succeed his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, earlier this year.
The Queen has filled the role since 1952.
Before the announcement was made, many had claimed that Charles should be “skipped over” as Head of the Commonwealth in favour of Prince William.
However, Her Majesty chose to grant Charles the role, as is tradition.
Prince Charles and Camilla will embark on a nine-day visit to Gambia, Ghana and Nigeria to celebrate the “UK’s historic ties with the Commonwealth nations” later this month.
The historic trip will take place over nine days from October 31.
They will return to London just in time for Prince Charles’ 70th birthday on November 14.
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