Queen Elizabeth Expresses Her 'Sincere Wish' for Prince Charles to Head Commonwealth
Queen Elizabeth II is getting ready to have Prince Charles take over her royal duties.
The 91-year-old head of the British monarchy and the Prince of Wales attended the formal opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held at the ballroom at Buckingham Palace in London on Thursday. During the queen's speech, where she addressed the Commonwealth heads of government, she made her clearest remarks about the future of the head of the family of nations.
"As another birthday approaches this week, I am reminded of the extraordinary journey we have been on, and how much good has been achieved," the queen expressed. "It remains a great pleasure and honor to serve you as Head of the Commonwealth and to observe, with pride and satisfaction, that this is a flourishing network. It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations, and will decide that one day The Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949."
"By continuing to treasure and reinvigorate our associations and activities," she added, "I believe we will secure a safer, more prosperous and sustainable world for those who follow us: a world where the Commonwealth's generosity of spirit can bring its gentle touch of healing and hope to all."
The Queen has given a speech at the Opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting at Buckingham Palace. pic.twitter.com/TbmeMmUP6V
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 19, 2018
Charles also took the stage to express how important the Commonwealth has been in his life. “For my part, the Commonwealth has been a fundamental feature of my life for as long as I can remember, beginning with my first visit to Malta when I was just five years old," he shared.
Following the opening, Queen Elizabeth and Charles attended the formal dinner, where they greeted guests, including Secretary General of the Commonwealth Patricia Scotland and Prime Minister Theresa May. Prince William and Prince Harry were also in attendance.
The Prince of Wales also attended the dinner, as did the Secretary General of The Commonwealth Patricia Scotland and Prime Minster Theresa May. #CHOGM2018pic.twitter.com/TXPcC9o4wq
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 19, 2018
This Saturday, the queen will celebrate her 92nd birthday with a very special live music event that will include performances by Shawn Mendes, Kylie Minogue, Craig David, Sir Tom Jones, Shaggy, Sting, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Anne Marie. The event will take place at the Royal Albert Hall in London and will air on April 21, her actual birthday.
According to a release from the Palace, “many members of the Royal Family” will be in attendance, though it was not specified whether or not Meghan Markle will be attending ahead of her wedding to Prince Harry.
Meanwhile, royal expert Katie Nicholl told ET last month that the queen has been "very accommodating" to Meghan and Harry's wedding plans. Watch below to hear more.
Make sure to keep up with all of ET's coverage on the Royal Wedding as we count down to May 19!
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