London: November 20, 2007 - Prince Charles is to attend his first Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting or CHOGM next week, amid speculation that the 53-nation body is preparing for life after Queen Elizabeth II.   

The 59-year-old heir to the throne will be in Uganda alongside his 81-year-old mother, who leads the coalition of countries, the majority of which are former British colonies.  Charles will take part in some of the formal proceedings at the three-day summit in Kampala on November 23-25, as well as meet foreign ministers and heads of government in private talks on the shores of Lake Victoria.   

But royal officials have insisted that contrary to recent media reports, the prince's presence is not designed to pave the way for his 'succession' as head of the Commonwealth.   

In an article on November 3,  Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper quoted an unnamed senior Commonwealth source as saying the question of whether Charles will inherit the title of head of the body is being actively considered.   

Although the queen has been head of the Commonwealth since her accession to the throne in 1952, the position is not enshrined in law and her heir does not automatically succeed her in the role.     Instead it is for Commonwealth leaders to decide.  

The newspaper said representatives of member countries are likely to discuss the issue informally when they gather for the queen's funeral and make a decision in the interregnum before Charles's coronation.

The queen is head of the Commonwealth but does not have to be head of state in member countries; in fact, only 16 of the 53 countries have the monarch as head of state, notably Australia, New Zealand and Canada.   

But amid growing republican sentiment, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, by the time Charles becomes king the group of monarchies may have been reduced. That could influence the balance of Commonwealth leaders wanting a royal as Commonwealth leader, the newspaper said.   

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