Backing for Charles as successor

MALCOLM Turnbull was holed up at Windsor Castle overnight to formally endorse Prince Charles as the successor of The Queen as head of the Commonwealth.

As the 53 leaders met at the Grand Waterloo of Windsor Castle, there was speculation the succession plan was not a done deal, with India – the largest republic in the Commonwealth – yet to reveal its view.

Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral Patricia Scotland said there would be some tricky issues to deal with.

The Royal Family has not announced when The Queen, who turns 92 today, plans to retire as head of the Commonwealth and it was not clear whether an announcement about the leader’s decision would be formally announced last night.

At the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government in London, The Queen said she hoped Prince Charles would succeed her “one day”.

“On the (Leader’s) Retreat, the 53 leaders get to go away together with no agenda and just talk about all the things that they desire to talk about. That enables them to deal with some quite tricky, sensitive issues, but collectively, collegiately and as part of the family,” Ms Scotland said.

“The Windsor Castle gathering was a chance for the leaders to talk one-to-one without outside interference.”

Mr Turnbull said he supported Prince Charles taking on the role, as have a number of other countries.

“Australia ... strongly supports the continuation of the King and Queen of the United Kingdom as the head of the Commonwealth,” he said.

“Of course Prince Charles will in the course of time succeed his mother.”