Prince Charles says Commonwealth nations free to decide on dropping queen as head of state

Addressing a summit of Commonwealth prime ministers and presidents in Rwanda, the monarch also expressed ‘personal sorrow’ at UK’s legacy of slavery

His comments came as the 54-nation grouping of mostly former British colonies grapples with questions over its future relevance

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Britain’s Prince Charles (right) looks on as traditional dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth summit in Kigali, Rwanda, on Friday. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:34pm, 24 Jun 2022

Prince Charles told Commonwealth leaders on Friday that the choice to become a republic or abandon the queen as head of state was theirs alone, and expressed “personal sorrow” at Britain’s legacy of slavery.

The British heir to the throne addressed the opening of a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Rwanda as the host nation faced scrutiny over its rights record and a much-criticised migrant deal with the UK.

Charles is representing Queen Elizabeth as the 54-nation grouping of mostly former British colonies grapples with questions over its future relevance and modern profile.

Republican movements are taking root in a number of Commonwealth nations and some are seeking reparations for colonial-era injustices like slavery.

Charles acknowledged the change underfoot and said the Commonwealth – which represents one-third of humanity – would always be “a free association of independent, self-governing nations”.

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