America could become next 'associate member' of the Commonwealth

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The United States could become the next “associate member” of the Commonwealth.

Proposals from the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS), which have apparently been backed by Queen Elizabeth II, are an attempt to build a stronger relationship with the US following Britain’s exit from the European Union.

Donald Trump has previously expressed fondness for the Royal Family and the UK in general and his election as President is an "opportunity" for closer ties between the two nations, the RCS believes.

If the US agrees, the society could open a branch in the country.

"The UK rather left this treasure in the attic, and forgot about it because people were so glued to Brussels," Michael Lake, the director of the RCS, told The Daily Telegraph.

He said there was an “opportunity of a new President" and "the slightly dangerous but great fun opportunity that the 'Bad Boys of Brexit' offered".

Mr Lake wrote to the President in December and had his letter delivered by Nigel Farage, who was the first UK politician to meet Mr Trump after his election victory.

In the note, he reportedly said opening a Commonwealth branch in the US would help the two nations “find imaginative ways” to work together.

The modern Commonwealth is made up of 53 countries, 16 of which have Queen Elizabeth II as head of state.