Who is the Head of the Commonwealth?
FROM Australia to Antigua, Canada to Cameroon, the Commonwealth exists to foster international co-operation and trade links between people all over the world.
Prior to her death, Queen Elizabeth II was Head of the Commonwealth.
Who is the Head of the Commonwealth?
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries - and is home to 2.5 billion people, including both advanced economies and developing countries.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022, His Majesty The King, Charles III, became Head of the Commonwealth.
The decision was made after being discussed by the leaders of the member states during talks inside Windsor Castle on April 20, 2018.
Despite the position not being hereditary, prior to Queen Elizabeth II, the 1949 London Declaration recognised King George VI as Head of the Commonwealth.
Is the Head of the Commonwealth always the British monarch?
The Commonwealth is not hereditary -therefore it is not always the British monarch who takes on this position.
Instead successors are chosen by leaders of the Commonwealth.
However it has followed the royal line of succession since its creation.
What does the Head of the Commonwealth role involve?
This role is mostly symbolic and carries no formal functions - but it does include several official duties.
The Head of the Commonwealth is recognised by the members of the Commonwealth of Nations as the "symbol of their free association" and serves as a leader, alongside the Commonwealth Secretary-General and Commonwealth Chair-in-Office.
The Head of the Commonwealth's role includes a number of symbolic functions which enhance the sense of family and the vitality of the Commonwealth connection.
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One of the duties of Head of the Commonwealth is to attend the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting - which is held at various locations throughout the Commonwealth.
During the summit, Head of the Commonwealth has a series of private meetings with Commonwealth countries' heads of government, attends a reception and dinner, and makes a general speech.
The Head of the Commonwealth is also present at the quadrennial Commonwealth Games.
The role also entails delivering a Commonwealth Day broadcast and attending Commonwealth Day events - including the multi-faith observance at Westminster Abbey and the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s reception.
The role of the Head of the Commonwealth has no fixed term.