One of my favorite expressions ever is to say someone had “a face like thunder.” I just love that expression so much. The Queen has a face like thunder. Or, I should say, she sometimes has a face like thunder. She’s able to look so contemptuous and dismissive with just one glance. Anyway, throughout the year, there have been more and more reports about the Queen pulling back on some of her duties and staffing. Prince Charles has consolidated all of the major royal press offices so everything runs by his press people. The Queen had to step back from a major event because her diamonds were literally too heavy for an 88-year-old woman. And the Queen might have done her last overseas trip when she went to France over the summer for the anniversary of D-Day. So, instead of being tacky and gauche and saying “Well, when is the Queen going to die?,” the men in grey are letting it be known that they are dusting off the Regency Act.
Royal Household staff have discussed the possibility of the Prince of Wales becoming Prince Regent if the Queen eventually becomes unable to fulfil her duties, it has emerged. Courtiers have studied the Regency Act to make sure they are well prepared for every eventuality as the Queen approaches her nineties.
Britain’s last regency was from 1811 to 1820, when George III’s mental illness left him unable to carry out his duties. His son, the future George IV, was given his father’s full powers under the Regency Act, and gave his name to Regent’s Park and Regent Street in London.
The Queen, who is 88, has repeatedly made it clear that she regards the sovereignty as a job for life, with no question of her abdicating. The monarch has already scaled down her workload to make allowances for her age, and no longer undertakes long-haul travel. The Prince of Wales, in turn, has taken on more and more of her duties, including representing her at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka last year. And while there is no expectation that the Queen will not be able to carry out her duties at any point in her lifetime, the Royal Household has prudently prepared for all eventualities.
A source told Saga Magazine: “Yes, we have dusted off the Regency Act and taken a look at it.”
A Buckingham Palace source said: “I’m not aware of anyone looking at this in any great detail.”
In May last year the Palace was forced to issue a formal denial that there were any plans for the Prince of Wales to become Prince Regent after speculation mounted following the announcement that he would take over his mother’s duties at the Commonwealth summit. The Regency Act 1937 made general provision for a regent in the event of a monarch becoming incapacitated. It states that the monarch’s duties will be performed by a regent if the monarch is declared in writing to be incapable of performing royal functions by three or more out of the sovereign’s wife or husband, the Lord Chancellor, the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Lord Chief Justice and the Master of the Rolls. The Act states that the regency should only last until the monarch has recovered his or her health.
It also makes provision for children under the age of 18 succeeding their parents, stating that the next person in the line of succession over the age of 21 (later lowered to 18) will act as regent until the monarch comes of age.
While we don’t really know what the Queen is like behind closed doors, I feel like every person that meets her is always like “she’s sharp as a tack, she still knows what’s up.” She’s still involved in the day-to-day operations of the Palace and her country (it was said that she was deeply concerned about the Scottish independence vote) and despite some minor physical problems, she’s in excellent health for a woman her age. So, yeah, I think this is super-rude! It’s like Prince Charles’ team is trying to start the conversation of tossing his mother aside. And what would Camilla be? Princess Regent?!
Photos courtesy of WENN, Fame/Flynet.
Saga Magazine….hahahaha. OK.
…but on a serious note, trial balloon methinks.
LAK
By heck, what with rhyming and all, ‘Saga’ was one unfortunate title to choose, wasn’t it?!
There seems to be no story here, mercifully. (I admit my ears always prick up in case Chazza’s in the soup).
Chris2: I didn’t find the Hello you recommended, but I bought the Brangelina and in 2 minds about the Amalooney. Great pics of inside the wedding though. Much better than the parade.
LAK
If I ever find a link for the photo I’ll post it; such an astounding photo. (Oddly it was uncredited but I have some clues..)
🙂
I don’t think Chuck is trying for anything. But he did attend State Opening of Parliament last year – first time in forever. There are some technical – even if only ceremonial, they’re still legal requirements – functions that the monarch has to perform. Parliament can’t be convened without that rubber stamp, for example. And she’s 88. What if she has a stroke? Goes into a coma? Or somesuch? We’ve still got to open Parliament and all the rest of it. Sounds sensible to me.
I agree, Sixer. I think that the Queen is still sharp, now. However, at 88, who knows when she will be incapacitated? Strokes can happen without warning, for instance. I think that it’s smart to look into the Regency Act just in case.
+1
It isn’t surprising that this kind of speculation has come up given QEII’s age. There has been some speculation about QMII as well though, like her English cousin, she won’t abdicate. The Danish court recently had to deny that Margrethe would abdicate after rumours swirled around in Austalian tabloids.
What was so interesting about that Australian tabloid is that they imply Mary is the heir. Inferring she is shadowing her mother-in-law in anticipation of taking over HM Queen Margrethe’s role. No, she’s supposed to be learning from Henrik as her role is consort not monarch.
Nobody wants Charles to be king except Charles
I want Charles to be King.
He’d make a good King too I reckon based upon his management of the duchy. I’ve lived in the duchy at one point.
Plus i’m glad he keeps blocking those Candy brothers. That One Hyde Park monstrosity is a travesty filled with non domiciled tax billionaires.
I second that LAK. I think Charles would make a decent King. I like that he cares about the environment for starters.
Me too LAK. I think that he will be a good king – though I say this as someone who hasn’t lived in the UK for 15 years. I’d rather have Charles than William any day.
Ditto.
+10 LAK
I want Prince Charles to be King too.
He has worked hard for decades and will make a fine King.
agreed Love Charles
please – can we get rid of Bill and have Harry instead?
I think that whatever news that comes out of the palace is just rumours because pple simply dont like charles and his behaviour has certainly lent himself to censure but tbh discrediting charles is not fair because any rumours can start from anything. so unless it actually happens we sd take everything with a pinch of salt. From what i have read it is a matter of finances – as usual the govt and the public feel that the monarchy is too expensive etc – ongoing debate for years so i think prince charles and the queen have decided to only focus on the immediate royal family – charles camilla william kate harry etc – charles is currently paying for kate’s expenses etc – i think that is why andrew is miffed because his daughters are not being given anything at all – and i think edward and sophie are given because of prince philip – and besides prince charles is entitled to take some duties that the queen finds herself unable to do so.
I think that whatever news that comes out of the palace is just rumours because pple simply dont like charles and his behaviour has certainly lent himself to censure but tbh discrediting charles is not fair because any rumours can start from anything. so unless it actually happens we sd take everything with a pinch of salt. From what i have read it is a matter of finances – as usual the govt and the public feel that the monarchy is too expensive etc – ongoing debate for years so i think prince charles and the queen have decided to only focus on the immediate royal family – charles camilla william kate harry etc – charles is currently paying for kate’s expenses etc – i think that is why andrew is miffed because his daughters are not being given anything at all – and i think edward and sophie are given because of prince philip – and besides prince charles is entitled to take some duties that the queen finds herself unable to do so.
I think it should be up to her. Maybe she wants to “retire” and have a few years of leisure, or maybe she wants to die in the saddle. Either way, unless she becomes incapacitated, I think it should be her decision, and it’s sort of tacky for them to mention it.
She has been adamant her entire reign that this is not a job and the only thing that could remove her from the throne would be her passing. She believes in the divine right so retiring is not a word that would ever apply to her.
I don’t mean to pounce, but tis not Divine Right, perish the thought!
But as you say, she regards it as a lifelong commitment, and a most sacred vow.
Making Charles Regent would not remove the Queen from the throne.
If she becomes incapacitated there will be no option but to make Charles Regent.
If the Queen ever steps down I think the end will be near. She is so driven in her routine and dedicated to it. It’s her purpose. I’ve known many people like that. And shortly after they couldn’t continue to work or retuired to enjoy some relaxing time they passed. We’ll see.
As to what Camilla will be, here’s what Wikipedia has to say :
“Unless any specific Act of Parliament is passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom (and other Commonwealth states) to the contrary, when Prince Charles becomes king, she can assume by courtesy the style of “Queen Camilla”. However, Clarence House stated that when Charles becomes king, it is intended that Camilla will adopt the unprecedented style of Princess Consort, similar to the style of Prince Albert. This is not the same usage as her father-in-law, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who does not hold the title of Prince Consort although he was created a Prince of the United Kingdom by his wife, Queen Elizabeth I.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camilla,_Duchess_of_Cornwall#Titles.2C_styles.2C_honours_and_arms
Interesting.
Because BRF adopting a new title in 21. Century is just what is needed. Why can’t she just be called Queen and get over it?
The one that isn’t the monarch should get a lower title.
Lex Queen is legally considered a lower “title” between King and Queen – that is why Philip and Albert could never have been named King. There is no legal reason why Camilla should not be called Queen – only sentiment.
Personally, I doubt Camilla could care less.
Besides, there are also historical resons for Parliament prefering Albert (and Philip) to be Prince Consorts rather than kings. Britain hasn’t had the best experiences with the husbands of reigning qeens being named king as well. Mary I’s husband Philip II of Spain was co-regent with his wife and very very very unpopular. William of Orange was adamant to be king beside his wife Queen Mary, when she was invited to take the throne when James II was given the boot. He refused to support the revolution of 1688 unless he was named co-regent with his wife, and king after her death.
They need to send those two back to the stables.
He might end up with an appointment as the Queen’s Representative to Cook Islands if he’s pushing too hard.
LOL!!
Can’t we send William to Tuvalu until it’s his turn?
LAK, any idea who gets the queen’s beloved pearl necklace when she passes? I doubt it will go to Kate, right?
Lady D: it’ll be interesting who she leaves that piece of jewellery. Certainly end speculation as to who is her favourite person so to speak.
Given her public body language where Kate is concerned, I doubt she’s in the running to inherit that particular piece of Jewellery, but HM may surprise us all.
Now that I think about it, there are several ladies that are quite close to her, many not in the public eye. I think there is an assumption that everything will be left to the publicly visible family/friends, but that is not an ironclad rule.
Are those the two separate necklaces that she always wears as one? If it weren’t something she considers a family heirloom, I’d say Amanda Knatchbull. Keeping it in the family I’d guess Anne, as HM is sentimental and I can see her leaving that gift from her parents to her only daughter. But if it belongs to “the Crown” does it automatically go to Charles?
Notasugarhere: Yes, her 2 strand pearl necklace.
also syke!!! You and i had the same thought vis a vis ALEXANDRA Knutchbull. For some reason, i kept thinking about her in terms of relations that are close to HM that could be in the running for that necklace. HM seems to like all her directly related daughter/granddaughters so i can’t speculate out of that group. However, i am always struck by the closeness, gestures and smiles, that HM shows Alexandra. i’d also throw Autumn’s name in the ring as far as warm relations with HM.
The necklace is HM’s private property, but she could leave it to the crown, in which case, it becomes part of the state jewels that the monarch holds in trust for the nation.
I too think she really likes Autumn. One of the few times I’ve seen HM papped at night on private time was when she and Philip double dated with Peter and Autumn at the theatre just before Isla was born. Plus Autumn is mum to her first great-grandchild, right? Maybe Autumn or Knatchbull (thanks for the name correction!) will end up with the flower basket broach. That one is “private” property.
I don’t know if this is accurate, but if so, the pearl necklaces were given to the Crown by Victoria. http://queensjewelvault.blogspot.com/2012/06/two-strand-pearl-necklace.html
I’d say Fergie’s tiara = Beatrice, Strathmore Rose = Eugenie (private gift from the Bowes-Lyon family to Elizabeth when she married Bertie).
I think that whatever news that comes out of the palace is just rumours because pple simply dont like charles and his behaviour has certainly lent himself to censure but tbh discrediting charles is not fair because any rumours can start from anything. so unless it actually happens we sd take everything with a pinch of salt. From what i have read it is a matter of finances – as usual the govt and the public feel that the monarchy is too expensive etc – ongoing debate for years so i think prince charles and the queen have decided to only focus on the immediate royal family – charles camilla william kate harry etc – charles is currently paying for kate’s expenses etc – i think that is why andrew is miffed because his daughters are not being given anything at all – and i think edward and sophie are given because of prince philip – and besides prince charles is entitled to take some duties that the queen finds herself unable to do so.
Hopefully the monarchy ceases to exist after Queen Elizabeth. Charles is not popular, and neither is William…. let alone both their wives.
Spoken like a good Aussie.
Hah! We’ll see. I’m watching this 1 from the sidelines.
Let’s be honest, he isn’t going to do anything unless the queen wants to “retire.” And, I wouldn’t blame her! She works hard and deserves a little time to herself.
There’s another web site (CDL) that is always pushing the idea that the Queen hates Camilla and wants her gone. Now that I’ve read a number of their posts, I have to say they seem completely made up. Is Camilla really a drunk? Does the Queen want to pay her to go away? They did cover the Princess Consort announcement, which apparently was buried in an obscure article as if someone was trying to casually slip it by everybody. But they said she threw a fit and Charles caved.
They say, they say, they say…………..
@ wolfpup.
The thing is that magazines often print pretty well what they like about the Monarchy but the Monarchy cannot turn round and say “you lying *******”
Although I sometimes wish they would!!
But now I am intrigued as to what you were going to post.
Makes sense to me. My father’s 92 and even though he is mentally competent and in relatively good health there is a lot he just isn’t up to anymore. He can’t travel, moving around is really draining, and he needs more sleep. I would imagine the Queen is in a similar position. They should be looking at lessening her load and it’s good training for Charles.
Me too. Seems like someone that age who has been at her job FOREVER deserves to cut back a bit and relax. Charles can handle the busy work and let the Queen save her strength for more important stuff. He IS going to be King someday – why not let him get some training in?
Because that would mean that his replacement has to be willing to step up and start covering the things Charles won’t be doing if he’s doing portions of HM’s job? And his replacement is busy hiding in the country “learning” about flying helicopters.
Every picture of Queen Elizabeth shows her in an outfit more beautiful than the last. Is there any vivid color that doesn’t look stunning on her? Lime green is a hard color to wear but she looks gorgeous in it. I hope I look as good when I’m approaching 90!!
I prefer her in teal or fuschia.
Aww! This makes me sad. My grandpa is only a few months younger than the queen and while he’s mentally alert as ever, his health is so- so. I hate to say it, but he’s one good bout of pneumonia or flu away from being in very poor shape. I don’t think this is necessarily disrespectful on Prince Charles’ part. It seems it’s simply practical at her advanced age.
Quite – like plans will already have been drawn up for her funeral, simply because you can’t organise one on that scale in a day or two, it takes a lot of planning.
Publically Charles has wanted to be king, since he was a young man. I always felt that it was somewhat offensive because his mother was *sitting right there*. There were plenty of stories, with his mother’s camp insisting that she wouldn’t be stepping down. If Elizabeth were to decide to step down, then regency thing would be acceptable. They will never force her out. IMO.
Iit is understandable that he feels in limbo but he has made it plain that he wants his mother to be there. But then that doesn’t make good copy.
QEII can only step down by abdication – which she won’t. A Regency is for when the Monarch is incapacitated or too young to reign in their own right.
Charles could literally be king any minute. Or it could be years, but it’s going to happen and presumably the Queen’s on board with that
so the regent thing seems like a win-win.
The Queen is 88 and could die tonight. The Palace people and E2 know it. It can happen every day. Even older people with good health have a stroke out of nothing and then it´s over. Her father died relatively young and her younger sister is dead too. So QueenMum´s age is no garant that E2 will live 20 years from now.
I´m sure Charles will become King and he will make a good, but forgettable King. Hopefully he will be the last. With the death of E2 the old magic and glory will end. “Charles The Eccentric” and “I want to be normal and hate this and that-Willy” are boring as hell and have nothing glamorous. They lack magic and pomp. No one wants a “normal, modern monarchy” in this day and age.
If it’s Charles’ camp that’s leaking the Regency Act topic, then that’s a really terrible strategy on the part of PC because the Queen is still healthy and mentally fit. Even if he & his staff have studied it, it shouldn’t have been leaked, especially at this time. It makes him look like a greedy medieval usurper. If it’s the media who’s pushing a fake story, then geez.
I think PC would make a better king than PW. I think PH would have made a better king than PW. I think PC has spent decades preparing himself to be a useful Royal to the public. But I think he’s going to be a more outspoken King than his mother is as Queen. I think he’s going to try to buck some traditions and try to be more ‘relevant’ than what the Queen is now which I think it going to rub some people the wrong way. I think he’s just itching to put his own spin on his reign and try to set up his ‘legacy’ a.s.a.p.
At 88, a person can be unexpectedly incapacitated by a misstep & a fall. Philip’s health appears to be declining & he’s been hospitalized more than once in the last year. His passing might drain QE of stamina & trigger a despondency or lack of will to continue her tasks.
Princess Margaret had an very unhealthy lifestyle. She smoked & drank heavily. Didn’t their father die of lung cancer?
Charles is also growing longer teeth. This is expedient, prudent, and wise IMO. It doesn’t detract from his mother’s reign, nor, I sincerely doubt, would he ever choose to do so.
The Regency under Charles? Interesting. I believe when the day come and he ascends to the throne he would push for Queen Camilla. Let’s be real, the public address of Duchess of Corwall and Princess Consort are reminders that Camilla was a royal sidepiece to the married heir apparent and she got her HRH through dirty circumstances. If she wasn’t a PR problem for the Firm Camilla would be called Princess of Wales now. She may be one by the time Charles is crowned.
They could solve/duck this issue – and address the sexism argument – by making the monarch’s spouse Prince or Princess Consort from now on.
When Charles gets crowned she will be Queen, that is how it is.
I’ve always gotten the impression that Will and Kate are being told to lay low. Charles does not want to be upstaged by another young woman again, and he’s still working on Camilla’s PR, to prepare for the day that they ascend the throne. No one can be more popular than either one of them and it wouldn’t take a whole lot with their history. He’s also afraid people will want him to be skipped over in favor of William. I don’t think that will happen, but Charles has enough going against him attaining the crown. Better to let the public take pot shots at your younger more beautiful children, and then buy them off later with a remodel of KP and an overhaul of Admer? Hall, and sprinkle lots of vacations around to keep them happy and increase the publics dislike of these two. Charles will do anything to get that crown. Anything. Even have close contacts write scathing books about his dead wife’s issues to make the populace dispise her. As long as Diana is still beloved, Camilla cannot be Queen.
This seems the most plausible account of how everyone in line for the throne is acting out of character since Wills married Kate.
Le Sigh.
Ladyslippers, do you want to jump in?
Richard Palmer’s twitter Spring 2012
Richard Palmer @RoyalReporter
@sofia09870 Kate’s office says she is dictating her own pace and is happy with it.
Richard Palmer @RoyalReporter
@HMtheRedQueen She is dicatating the pace and her office says this how she wants to do it.
Richard Palmer
@HMtheRedQueen
One Sunday broadsheet claimed llast weekend there was concern Kate was doing too much. But there is no concern on that score.
not quite to always find fault with charles – when it comes to his work he is deadly serious abt his responsibilites – just like anne – no nonsense and does her work with no fuss and no fanfare. Nobody has told kate anything – i think that it wd have been more of a relief for the brf if she and william had stepped up and shown themselves to be responsible and more businesslike than they are currently doing to be honest. By the time charles was william’s age he was already pow and was travelling and being so active – he was interested more than anything else in art and learning and architecture and green eco stuff etc – he is allowing william to be free for longer than he ever was but somehow william is not doing what he cd be doing and pretending that he is like everyone else. That is not possible – he is the heir apparent to the british throne and he sd start acting like it.
Not reading the thread, not a royalist, you are right about the thundery face, for the amount of privileges she and her family get she might at least have the good grace to not look piss@ed off most of the time. And please no comebacks about how hard she works…
the difference between queen e 2 and the other monarchs – beatrix abdicated because maybe she felt her son and maxima were ready and also because her other son had died
juan carlos abdicated because of scandal etc so not exactly fair to compare anyone