Queen secretly prepares to abdicate
Queen Elizabeth is reportedly set to abdicate and make Charles king in a secret Palace plan for her retirement.
It is believed that the Queen has told her inner circle that if she is still on the throne at the age of 95, she will ask for a piece of legislation to grant her eldest son full power to reign while she is still alive.
Royal commentator Robert Jobson told the Mail that he has been informed by a number of high-ranking courtiers that preparations for the transition of the Crown are increasing.
He said Palace communications staff have been told to be "up to speed" on the 1937 Regency Act, the bill which grants power to the heir apparent.
Mr Jobson said one senior former member of the Royal Household told him, "Out of the profound respect the Queen holds for the institution of monarchy and its stewardship, Her Majesty would want to make sure that she has done everything she can for her country and her people before she hands over."
“Her Majesty is mindful of her age and wants to make sure when the time comes, the transition of the Crown is seamless."
“I understand the Queen has given the matter considerable thought and believes that, if she is still alive at 95, she will seriously consider passing the reign to Charles.”
Clarence House, the official residence of Prince Charles, has made no comment about the transitional plans.
A Regent can only be instilled once a verdict is reached by three of the following: the Sovereign’s consort, the Duke of Edinburgh; the Lord Chancellor, David Lidington; the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow; the Lord Chief Justice, the incoming Sir Ian Burnett; and Master of the Rolls, Sir Terence Etherton.
Queen Elizabeth's coronation was held in 1953, making her the longest-serving monarch.
Last month, Prince Philip officially retired from public duties at the age of 96.