The Queen, 94, became the longest-reigning British monarch in 2015 as she surpassed the reign of her great-great-grandmother Victoria. But after a turbulent start to the year and the coronavirus pandemic, speculation over whether she will step down has grown. Speaking to Channel 5 documentary ‘The Queen and Charles – Mother and Son’, Ms Levin said there were rumours the Queen would step down from duties at 95.
The documentary’s narrator Stephen Greif said: “Some royal experts think that the Queen’s age may eventually force her to step down from her day to day duties as monarch.
“Charles would become Prince Regent, King in all but name.”
Ms Levin added: “If the monarch is incapable of doing her duties then the heir can take over and do all the duties the monarch can’t do.
“There were rumours that the Queen might stand down when she’s 95 – but actually she seems so strong and confident she might just carry on.”
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Many royal experts believe the Queen won’t step down.
Dr Anne Whitelock, a royal historian, told Channel 5 documentary, ‘The Queen: Duty before Family?’: “There is much speculation that the Queen might one day have to abdicate.
“I think there is no chance of the Queen abdicating.
“As she said at 21, whether her life short of long she remains committed to serving her people.”
Visitors from two other households will be able to meet her at a time at Balmoral, under current Scottish Government rules, with a recommendation for a maximum of eight people at a time when inside. This is only possible with social distancing and “strict hygiene measures”.
The guidance indicates four other households will be able to meet the Queen at a time when outside – but with no more than 15 people in total in the group. For both indoors and outdoors, a cap of four households a day has been put in place.
The Queen will not be able to enjoy the Braemar Gathering as she traditionally does, as coronavirus forced the Highland games to be called off for the first time since 1945.
It is also unlikely the monarch will be able to host her annual Ghillies Ball, which takes place in the estate’s grand ballroom.
