Charles ‘will be named next head of the Commonwealth’
PRINCE Charles is set to be approved as the next head of the Commonwealth this week, despite calls from Labour for him to step aside.
Leaders are expected to name the Prince of Wales as his mother’s successor as head of the 53member club in the coming days, Whitehall sources said last night.
Dozens of leaders are arriving in the UK this week for the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit, which culminates in a ‘leaders’ retreat’ at Windsor Castle on Friday.
Downing Street yesterday indicated Theresa May would make the prince’s case during Friday’s private meeting.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman said: ‘[Prince Charles] has been a proud supporter of the Commonwealth for more than four decades and has spoken passionately about the organisation’s unique diversity.’
But they added: ‘Succession is a matter for the Commonwealth as a whole to determine.’
Reports in recent weeks have suggested some countries harbour doubts about the suitability of Prince Charles for the role. One Commonwealth source said a number of leaders ‘continue to be underwhelmed by him’.
In recent days, Jeremy Corbyn and other Labour figures have also questioned whether Prince Charles should take up the role.
But a Whitehall source said: ‘There have been no warning lights flashing in the run-up to the summit. It is up to the leaders on Friday, but it looks as if Prince Charles will get the nod.’