King to hold urgent summit with Kate and William over future of monarchy

He is said to be hoping to use the couple's "star quality" to help unite the Commonwealth.

The meeting will take place as the Royal Family gathers for its annual trip to Balmoral, where the Queen was known to have always enjoyed spending her summers.

A source told the Mirror of the King's plans: "He sees it as his utmost duty to fulfil the sincere wish of his late mother.

"One of his central roles must be to ensure not only the survival but the robustness of the Commonwealth."

His Majesty is said to want Kate and William to be "at the heart of cementing their own future and that of the monarchy at large".

The Commonwealth of Nations is a political association of 55 member states, largely made up of former territories of the British Empire.

But there have been concerns that following the death of the Queen last year that some members of the group could eventually decide to pull out of the organisation.

There has also been an increase in talk of republicanism among territories outside the UK which still have the King as their head of state.

At next week's summit the King is expected to outline his expectations of the Prince and Princess of Wales and outline the role he wants the to play to cement the institution's long term future.

According to The Mirror the King is planning to carry out a number of overseas visits next year in order to re-affirm the monarchy's relationship with territories.

He is said to be planning to visit Canada and Australia to "offer a hand of friendship".

Australia is one nation where there are concerns that republican sentiment could increase.

The Labor party, which is currently in government, has long advocated for abolishing the monarchy. However, it has said that any vote on the future of the institution will not take place until 2026 at the earliest.