The Queen discusses the future of the head of the Commonwealth
- by
Zoe Burrell
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The UK government has revealed that a decision on who should succeeded The Queen as the head of the Commonwealth will be made this week.
Leaders from the 53 Commonwealth governments will gather for a retreat at Windsor Castle on Friday for a discussion about the future of the position.
Many believe that Prince Charles will take on this role, but, after the Queen named Prince Harry as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador on Monday, some believe that the role could go to her grandson, Prince William.
When asked whether Prince Charles should be the Commonwealth’s next head a spokesperson said, ‘This is obviously a decision that is taken later in the week, a decision taken by all the members together.
'I think that all happens on Friday.’
Could the Commonwealth select Prince William over his father Prince Charles?
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The Queen has been the head of the Commonwealth since coming to the throne in 1952, but the position does not have to be hed by the British Monarch.
'When the Queen dies or if she abdicates, her heir will not automatically become Head of the Commonwealth,’ A statement on the Commonwealth Secretariat website states.
‘It will be up to the Commonwealth heads of government to decide what they want to do about this symbolic role.’
UK Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn has suggested that the position be decided on a rotational basis.
‘The Queen clearly is personally very committed to the Commonwealth but after her I think maybe it’s a time to say well actually the Commonwealth should decide who its own president is on a rotational basis.’
