

The Queen might be preparing for some massive changes.
According to a new report from the Daily Mail, Queen Elizabeth may effectively "retire" in the next 18 months, at which point she would presumably pass off day-to-day control of the monarchy to her oldest son, Prince Charles.
Though the new report is all speculation at this point, Charles has taken on an increased role in big picture decision-making in the wake of his brother, Prince Andrew's scandal.
"The scandal surrounding Andrew and Epstein gave Charles an opportunity to step in to show that he can run The Firm," A royal source told The Sun. "No one is bigger than the institution of the Royal Family. Not even Andrew, the Queen's favorite son. Charles recognized that and acted decisively—like the king he may well soon be. This was the moment when Charles stepped up as Prince Regent, the Shadow King."
The new rumors suggest that Charles is preparing to take over leadership in the royal family when the Queen turns 95.
The reports don't suggest that Elizabeth would fully step down as monarch. Instead, it's been suggested that Charles would take on a modern Prince Regent role and assume control of day-to-day affairs while Elizabeth retained the official title of monarch.
The speculation that Elizabeth would make this shift when she turns 95 in a year and a half has been tied to Prince Philip's retirement from public life, which he announced when he was 95.
The reports aren't coming out of nowhere—the Queen has been reducing her public engagements significantly in recent years. In 2016, she attended 332 engagements and by 2018, she had cut that number down to 283. While that's still a lot of engagements, of course, Charles has been increasing his royal workload and took on 507 engagements in 2018.
We'll just have to wait and see how this actually plays out of course, since the decision will ultimately be the Queen's alone.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Sofia Richie Grainge's Favorite Foundation is On Sale Right Now at Sephora
There's no better time to try them than now.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Makeup Brush Sets for Creating the Perfect Looks
Options for makeup experts and beginners alike.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
Meg Bellamy of ‘The Crown’ Was Nervous to Recreate Kate Middleton’s Iconic Charity Fashion Show Walk
“I would love her to think fondly of it.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Queen Elizabeth and (Then) Prince Charles’ Relationship Suffered Because of His Relationship with Camilla Parker-Bowles, Andrew Morton Says
“He could love her, but he needed to leave her,” the Firm (and Her late Majesty) said at the time.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William and Princess Kate Will Be in Wales Today to Pay Tribute to the Queen on the Anniversary of Her Death
The Queen had a special connection with the cathedral they're visiting.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Is "Built From the Queen's Mold," Says Royal Expert
He's learned a lot from her.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn