Her Majesty the Queen has spent an incredible 69 years on the throne – that’s more than any other British monarch in history!
Elizabeth II was thrust into royal duties at the tender age of 27 and she’s dedicated her life to her country ever since.
It’s been a tough year for the Queen, 95, who lost her husband Prince Philip in April and launched herself back into royal duties.
And after spending a night in hospital, worried doctors could prescribe an end to her reign.
But who will take the crown? And what does it mean for Kate and William?
If the Queen steps down, this is what could happen to our monarchy…
Prince Charles may take the throne
Back in 2017, the Mail on Sunday reported that the Queen was considering passing power to Charles when she turned 95.
She told “her inner circle” that she’d ask for the Regency Act “granting her eldest son full power to reign even while she still lives.”
Charles would get the title of Prince Regent – ‘King in all but name’.
Royal Correspondent Robert Jobson told Insider: “It’s long been speculated that Prince Charles could reign as a regent sooner than expected.”
It’s unlikely that she’ll abdicate, but if she does, Charles would become King.
Other modern monarchs have chosen this path, including King Juan Carlos of Spain and Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.
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Charles’ cut-down coronation
It’s not known how Charles may be sworn in as King while his mother still lives.
But experts say his coronation will be a pinch on the Queen’s bank-breaking affair!
About 277 million people watched Her Majesty take the crown in a lavish three-hour ceremony, costing over £43million in today’s money.
Ian Lloyd, author of The Duke: 100 Chapters in the Life of Prince Philip, told the Express: “I don’t think people would stomach such a vast ceremony.
“[Charles’ coronation] will probably be more like it happens in Europe, they do a swear-in ceremony.”
Her Majesty's simple life
Coronavirus forced the Queen and Prince Philip to isolate at Windsor Castle last year and with her packed schedule erased, she was pictured happily taking daily horse rides – how dreamy!
According to royal expert Ingrid Seward, Her Majesty’s break was much needed.
She told Woman: “I don’t think the Queen knows how to take it easy, but the break must have done her good.
“For the first time in her life since she became Queen in 1952, she has been able to do the things she enjoys without an appointment diary hovering over her.”
William and Kate become the Cornwalls
According to experts, the Cambridges have Her Majesty’s full confidence, with William performing a key role as her ‘trusted advisor’.
Ingrid added: “I think [Her Majesty] also feels the future of the monarchy is in safe hands now with William and Kate.”
The couple’s royal title is expected to change to Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, after Charles and Camilla become King and Princes (or Queen) consort.
William will be the Prince of Wales and profit from his Dukedom of Cornwall, which earned Charles £20million in 2017!
Royal historian Dr Anna Whitelock says the pair have already stepped up to a more “senior position” within the firm, increasing their public profiles and attending more events with the Queen’s old age in mind.
She told Express.co.uk: “I think that they have accepted that that is their role and their future, so we have seen them doing more.”
The royal house swap
A Clarence House spokesperson has confirmed that Charles will move into Buckingham Palace when he takes the crown, leaving Clarence House available for William and Kate – should they fancy it.
Before Charles and Camilla moved in, it was home to the Queen Mother.
Charles and Diana lived at Kensington Palace, as William and Kate do now.
Chances are, the royal house swap won’t happen – Charles loves his home!
According to reports, the future King wants to open Buckingham Palace to the public for an extended period and apparently has plans for a tribute exhibition on the Queen’s incredible reign.
A source told Hello! Magazine : “He doesn’t see it as a viable future home or a house that’s fit for purpose in the modern world.
He feels its upkeep, both from a cost and environmental perspective, is not sustainable.”
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