The Queen has been Head of the Commonwealth since coming to the throne in 1952 and despite being next in line for the throne, Prince Charles is not guaranteed of the honour.
A statement on the Commonwealth Secretariat website states: “When the Queen dies or if she abdicates, her heir will not automatically become Head of the Commonwealth.
“It will be up to the Commonwealth heads of government to decide what they want to do about this symbolic role.”
The week-long Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) began today and a decision about Prince Charles is expected on Friday.