Queen Elizabeth’s opening speech at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting has been seen by many as a strong hint that she should be succeeded as head of the Commonwealth by her son Prince Charles.

While the Prince of Wales is the first heir to the throne, it is not automatically assured that he should also succeed her as the head of the Commonwealth.

But her speech at the Mediterranean Conference Centre on Friday was interpreted in the British media as an endorsement of her son to succeed her as Commonwealth chief too.

It has been widely reported that the presence in Malta could be the last CHOGM attended by the Queen, given that she does not travel long distance by plane.

In her short speech at the CHOGM, Queen Elizabeth II places specific emphasis on future generations by pointing out that “it must also be right publicly to redouble our commitment to the Commonwealth's youth, our future.”

The Queen spoke of her pride of what the Commonwealth has achieved so far with specific mention of Prince Philip who continues to work with “boundless energy and commitment”. She then goes on to say about Prince Charles that she could not wish “to have been better supported and represented in the Commonwealth than by The Prince of Wales who continues to give so much to it with great distinction.”

In this way, British media said she was suggesting that Prince Charles takes over the reins of the Commonwealth.