The Queen has lobbied world leaders to appoint Prince Charles to become the future leader of the Commonwealth once her reign ends.

The position as head of the Commonwealth is not automatically held by the British monarch, although Queen Elizabeth has been the leader since coming to the throne in 1952.

Queen Elizabeth has addressed the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London for her final time as monarch.

She says it has been a pleasure to serve what has become a flourishing network of nations.

The Queen says the Prince of Wales is the best person to take her place and lead the Commonwealth for years to come.

"It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations and will decide that one day the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949."

Commonwealth leaders will make a decision on the succession plan tonight.

Times deputy political editor Sam Coates told Kate Hawkesby the move will probably be signed off tomorrow by the 53 heads of Government.

"I think the point is that if Charles' son Prince William wants to succeed him in future there will be no automaticity to that, any future British monarch will have to work for the position. "