Prince regales Commonwealth visitors with tales of his travels in royal charm offensive

THE Prince of Wales yesterday showcased his credentials as the future head of the Commonwealth, as he and his sons embarked on a charm offensive.

The Prince greeted hundreds of representatives for a lunch celebrating the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), sharing anecdotes about his time visiting most of its 53 countries. Attending events on climate change, plastics and a forum for young people, he made his way through some of the 5,000 delegates in London for a landmark week expected to see leaders decide whether he should automatically succeed the Queen in the honorary role of head of the Commonwealth.

The Duke of Cambridge, who yesterday took part in a business forum, and Prince Harry have already emphasised the central role the Royal Family has taken in the Commonwealth, with the Prince praising his father’s foresight in environmental issues.

The Prince of Wales, who has visited 44 of the member nations, lost no time in regaling delegates with memories of his travels at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in Westminster.

“I have really happy memories of the Uganda CHOGM all those years ago,” he told a group from the east African country, recalling his first trip to an overseas summit in 2007.

When he met Israel Nyoh, a youth delegate from the central African country of Cameroon, the Prince recalled a visit there in 1990. “I remember going to Cameroon years ago. I have never been so hot in my life. All the air conditioning broke down,” he said.

The decision on succession will be made by the heads of government of the Commonwealth countries, who will all attend a private retreat at Windsor on Friday.