The Queen has called on Commonwealth leaders to back Prince Charles as her successor

Opening the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London on Thursday (19.04.18), she said: "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."

Contrary to popular belief, the role is not hereditary and therefore there is no certainty that the Prince will ultimately replace his mother as the head of the Commonwealth.

The lavish ceremony in London has been attended by as many as 46 Commonwealth heads of government, with the remaining countries being represented at the biennial meeting by their foreign ministers.

Earlier in the day, Prince Charles told the attendees that modern day Commonwealth had a "vital role" to play moving forwards.

He said: "I pray that this [meeting] will not only revitalise the bonds between our countries, but will also give the Commonwealth a renewed relevance to all its citizens."

The event in London has also been attended by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry - who is poised to marry Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19 - and Prince William.

Around 2.4 billion people live in the Commonwealth, which is more than a quarter of the world's population, and covers around 20 per cent of the world's land area.