Elizabeth II is still the titular Head of the Commonwealth in a personal capacity, but this role does not carry with it any power, but acts as a symbol of the free association of Commonwealth members.
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The declaration was made by India to allow it to continue its membership of the Commonwealth despite its decision to soon become a republic; at the behest of Pakistan, set a precedent that all other countries were free to follow, as long as they each recognised the position of Head of the Commonwealth.
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The Prince of Wales (representing Elizabeth II as Head of the Commonwealth) officially declared the Games open jointly with President of India Pratibha Patil.
Brian Tamaki, a Bishop of the Destiny Church stated: "That Christianity is the chosen religion of the Head of the Commonwealth. For us to depart from that, don't you think that that is bordering on creating some type of treason, religious treason anyhow?".