Queen Elizabeth, who turns 92 on Saturday, welcomed leaders from the 53 Commonwealth nations mostly former British colonies — to Buckingham Palace to start two days of talks focused on trade, marine protection and tackling cyber crime. In her opening speech, Queen Elizabeth spoke of her own “extraordinary journey” since pledging to serve the Commonwealth for life when aged 21. Queen Elizabeth has been the Commonwealth’s symbolic figurehead since her father king George VI’s death in 1952. Charles, the heir to the thrones of 16 Commonwealth nations, now seems certain to get the nod following Queen Elizabeth’s public endorsement — despite some republican voices angling for change. Trudeau backs CharlesCharles, 69, told Commonwealth leaders the body had been “a fundamental feature of my life for as long as I can remember”.

Source: The Guardian April 19, 2018 19:07 UTC