The Prince of Wales was today given more backing to succeed his mother as head of the Commonwealth as leaders of the 53-nation body met behind closed doors to discuss the move.
The heir to the throne is set to be formally named as the Queen’s successor today after she gave him her endorsement.
The Queen has filled the role since 1952, but the position is not automatically held by the British monarch.
There had been suggestions the role should rotate around member states.
But Ralph Regenvanu, foreign minister of Pacific state Vanuatu, told Radio 4’s Today: “We see it almost naturally that it should be the British royal family, it is the Commonwealth after all.”
He added: “Charles visited my country a few weeks ago and the reception was rapturous. People still hold the royal family in that regard in our country.”
The leaders are expected to approve the move at Windsor Castle. Malta prime minister Dr Joseph Muscat said yesterday: “We are certain that, when he will be called upon to do so, he will provide solid and passionate leadership.”
MORE ABOUT