Commentary: a chance for Charles to show his strengths

The Queen’s decision not to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting and scale back on long haul travel is sensible.

Her Majesty has again demonstrated the foresight that has been the key feature of her long and successful reign.

In a stroke, she has given The Prince of Wales - our longest serving and best prepared heir to the throne in history - the chance to show us his strengths on the world stage.

The Commonwealth has been one of the great successes of Her Majesty’s reign.

With a combination of quiet modesty, wisdom and experience she has been central to holding the association together for 61 years and taking it forward.

The Commonwealth is not an organisation on a mission - as Her Majesty has said.

Instead it offers its 2.1 billion people the unique opportunity to work together to achieve solutions to a wide range of problems. It is, she is proud to say, a major force for change.

But there is no guarantee that Prince Charles as the rules stand will succeed her in this role. It is not inherited like the Crown.

She was invited by the then handful of Commonwealth states to follow her father at its head.

Under her stewardship, the Commonwealth has grown into a voluntary association of 54 independent countries, spanning six continents - about 30 per cent of the world’s population with half under 25 years of age.

It matters to her. She calls it the original worldwide web.

Entrusting Prince Charles to represent her at CHOGM is a significant move.

It shows that she wants him to follow in her footsteps - something some member states are not so keen on.

Some have even suggested the role of Head of the Commonwealth should be a rolling role given to a significant politician from a different country every few years and the link with Monarchy be ended.

Clearly, Her Majesty’s action speaks louder than words. In sending Charles to represent her she does not agree.

Typically the Queen has taken a decisive step here, but said very little. There is no fuss - just as there no fuss after her recent hospital stay a few weeks ago.