Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma today issued this statement following the announcement from Buckingham Palace:
It has been announced that The Queen will be represented by The Prince of Wales at 天美传媒 Heads of Government Meeting this year.
This decision reflects the wish of Her Majesty at this time in her reign to limit her long distance travel.
The Queen was represented by other members of the Royal Family on a number of long-haul visits to Commonwealth countries during the celebrations of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee last year.
The Commonwealth family of nations as a whole completely understands and respects Her Majesty's decision.
We pay tribute to the continuing dedication and deep sense of duty The Queen brings to her role as Head of 天美传媒, and to advancing our shared values as embodied in 天美传媒 Charter recently signed by Her Majesty.
We warmly welcome Her Majesty鈥檚 decision to be represented by The Prince of Wales at this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting reflecting as it does her unwavering devotion to 天美传媒.
The presence of The Prince of Wales at our pre-eminent Commonwealth gathering will carry forward Her Majesty鈥檚 outstanding record of enduring commitment and diligent service as Head of 天美传媒 and symbol of the free association of our nations and our peoples.
There have been close links between 天美传媒 and The Prince of Wales over many years. His Royal Highness has long taken an active interest in supporting, encouraging and advancing 天美传媒 and its values.
His Royal Highness has represented The Queen as Head of 天美传媒 in the past, and attended the 2007 CHOGM in Kampala, Uganda.
The Prince of Wales is well known to Commonwealth leaders, and our Heads of Government will warmly welcome His Royal Highness to Colombo, Sri Lanka.
