As Her Majesty scales back foreign trips, Palace gives Prince more prominent role
- Buckingham Palace reviewing the Queen's long-haul travel commitments
- Prince of Wales is to perform one of his most significant duties to date
- He has never attended in place of the monarch at the bi-annual gathering
- Charles and Camilla will also attend State Opening of Parliament together
The Queen plans to scale back her public duties and give Prince Charles a bigger role as ‘co-head’ of the royal family, well-placed sources have revealed.
Buckingham Palace and senior figures in Whitehall began discussing how to deal with the monarch’s advancing years several months ago, the Mail understands.
They concluded that her 64-year-old son – the longest-serving heir apparent in British history – should take a more prominent position representing the sovereign at key events, particularly those abroad.
It follows the surprise announcement by Buckingham Palace yesterday that, in a 40-year first, the Queen will not attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference. Instead, Charles will take her place at the two-day event in Sri Lanka in November.
Aides reluctantly admitted what has been suspected for some time: that the monarch, who reached the age of 87 last month, was not up to making frequent long-haul trips.
But Charles’ presence at Parliament today suggests it is also part of the carefully-choreographed plan to share the burden of responsibility.
One senior royal source told the Mail the decision for the Queen not to go to Sri Lanka was part of a ‘wide-scale review’ of her travel plans, although they insisted that it was largely ‘business as usual’.
Aides were also swift to deny that Her Majesty’s recent ill-health – she was hospitalised in March for the first time in ten years after being hit by gastroenteritis – had anything to do with the development.
But the fact is that the elderly monarch, who still conducts more than 300 engagements each year, has been gradually scaling back her diary at home too and her illness was a clear sign that her legendary stamina can no longer be taken for granted.
The Queen now spends only about three days a week in London or away on official visits, and prefers to read her official papers over a long weekend at Windsor Castle.
In addition, she is understood to be concerned not to put too much strain on her husband, Prince Philip, who will be 92 next month and still accompanies her on most trips.
It is not long since he received hospital treatment for a heart condition and a recurring bladder infection.
The Mail has also learnt that there has even been tentative discussion of a change in the law which would be required to allow Prince Charles to become regent.
Historically, regents have only been created when the monarch is seriously incapacitated – for instance, when George III was mentally unwell.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2320601/Prince-Charles-Queen-Royal-jobshare-Her-Majesty-scales-foreign-trips.html#ixzz2SiACFCjo
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