
The Queen (opens in new tab) might be preparing for some massive changes.
According to a new report from the Daily Mail (opens in new tab), 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 (opens in new tab).
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 (opens in new tab). "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 (opens in new tab) 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
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.
-
Prince Harry Could “Make Some Form of Reconciliation” with the Royal Family for the Coronation, Expert Says
…but it would still be “extremely difficult.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
The Princess of Wales Broke the Queen’s “Golden Rule” By Revealing This Private Detail
It makes sense why Her late Majesty wanted to keep this close to the vest.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
King Charles Brings in Archbishop of Canterbury to Broker Peace Deal Between Prince William and Prince Harry
The King wants Harry at the Coronation; William is apparently less enthused.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
King Charles Will Not Hold "Peace Talks" With Harry and Meghan Before the Coronation, Royal Expert Claims
Oh.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Diana's Butler Responds to Prince Harry Referring to Him as "The Butler" in 'Spare'
Paul Burrell says he's confused and hurt.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Eugenie's New Baby Will Allow the Royal Family to "Put Behind Them a Year of Sorrow and Conflict," Astrologer Says
All good things!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry "Should Have Been Prince William's Wingman," Has Become His "Hitman" Instead, Royal Expert Says
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
There's No Chance of Reconciliation Between Prince Harry and His Family "In the Short Term," Royal Expert Claims
Urgh.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Likely to Feel "Overwhelmed" by Her Responsibilities This Year, Astrologer Says
...relatable.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Will "Be Able to Build Bridges" With Certain Members of the Royal Family in 2023, Astrologer Claims
We shall see.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Just Revealed Her Workout Routine Involves Trampolining With Her Kids
I love this.
By Iris Goldsztajn