Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles (Photo: Daily Star)

At the Thursday formal opening to welcome leaders of 53 member states, the Queen expressed her hope that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations. The Queen will celebrate her 92nd birthday on Saturday. 

Prince Charles, 69, had long been expected to succeed to the throne. Since 2014, the Queen gradually began to relinquish some of her duties as  the press offices of the Queen and the Prince merged into one office. The Queen also asked him to step in at several official events.