As sad as it is to contemplate, as time goes on, the prospect of the queen stepping down will become more likely due to ongoing health concerns.

This week will go down in the history books as the first time she has skipped the State Opening of parliament in nearly 60 years. Prince Charles stepped in to fill her place to perform the function instead, prompting thousands to speculate that the Queen’s reign may be coming to an end.

Queen Elizabeth in the 2007 vs now. Image Credit: news.com.au, People​

"The Queen continues to experience episodic mobility problems, and in consultation with her doctors has reluctantly decided that she will not attend the State Opening of Parliament tomorrow.” reads a statement released by Buckingham Palace last May 9.

"At Her Majesty's request, and with the agreement of the relevant authorities, The Prince of Wales will read The Queen's speech on Her Majesty's behalf, with The Duke of Cambridge also in attendance."

There have been reports going around suggesting that the Queen now uses a wheelchair to get around the palace and that she prefers not to be seen in that state when out in public.

This absence is just the latest in a growing list of events that the 96-year-old has withdrawn from since October last year, triggering a debate among concerned people about whether she may soon need to step aside for health reasons.

And if a regency does occur, her eldest son Prince Charles is set to take over all of her official duties, while she still remains as ‘sovereign’. A ‘consensual regency’ has never been attempted before in British history.

The last time that Great Britain gave a regency a shot was back in 1811 – King George III’s mental health declined to the point that parliament was forced to allow his unpopular son (later George IV) to take over as Prince Regent. (Commonly referred to as “mad,” or as described by the royal family’s official website “deranged”. Some historians believe that George III may have suffered from bipolar disorder.)

Prince Charles stepping in for the Queen. Image Credit: CNN​

However, the Queen’s case is different. It’s firmly believed that her mental acuity is in good shape but her dwindling health prevents her from performing her royal responsibilities to her fullest ability. It has been said that she is struggling with heart problems and, as mentioned, unspecified mobility issues.

“The use of the Regency Act is the first step towards abdication, which, I suspect, will happen once the Jubilee is over,” Clive Irving, a former Times journalist and a royal biographer explained.

This idea was supported by Duncan Larcombe, the former royal editor of the Sun, saying: “The State Opening of Parliament changed everything. The queen really has no option if she is continually unable to perform her role as head of state…”

“If she is now apparently incapable of doing standard, core jobs as head of state, then I think they will have to remove her, by consent of course,”

A consensual Regency would be a neat solution… Think of it as a partial abdication. In an abdication, the Queen fully resigns – immediately triggering Prince Charles’ accession to the throne.

Practically, the only real changes in a regency would be Prince Charles being able to order new stationery as Prince Regent and he would take over her weekly audience with Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The Queen could still, when she is able to, appear on the Palace balcony or attend occasions such as the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey.

But maybe giving the 96-year-old a break doesn’t sound too bad, eh? She could allocate more of her time towards her beloved great-grandchildren and her personal passions.

Do you think it’s time for the Queen to resign from her royal duties? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Want to catch a glimpse of Prince Charles reading the Queen's speech? Watch the video below:

Video Credit: CBCNews​

 

[Ricci]

I think it would be a tragedy if the Queens long reign was to just dwindle and fizzle out. She has been a fantastic leader, a real statesperson and a constant in just about everybody's life. I wish she could get over her fear of showing weakness by appearing in a wheelchair, after all there is no shame in it and she is still as sharp as a tack. Somebody get her a power chair so she can zoom about the palace and maintain her independence. Long may she reign.

 

[Judy_mcloughlin15]

She is still the queen and by taking over it shows that she is being pushed aside and forced to hand over her rein. She still has an excellent mind and should beable to still rein but within side the palace. After all she is still the queen of England.

 

[Val]

I think that she should stay as she is. She is an amazing woman and Queen, she should never be pushed out and we don’t want Charles in charge any sooner than absolutely necessary. I don’t want to see him in that position ever.
The Queen is mentally stable and very quick witted, let her be where she is please.

 

[Val]

I think it would be a tragedy if the Queens long reign was to just dwindle and fizzle out. She has been a fantastic leader, a real statesperson and a constant in just about everybody's life. I wish she could get over her fear of showing weakness by appearing in a wheelchair, after all there is no shame in it and she is still as sharp as a tack. Somebody get her a power chair so she can zoom about the palace and maintain her independence. Long may she reign.

I agree with you 100 percent

 

[Judy_mcloughlin15]

Long live Queen Elizabeth and if she carnt rein anymore please put William and Kate as king and queen as they would make a perfect king and queen, as they are loved by all and will do the right thing by the queen, and not loopy head prince charles and loopiness Carmilla.

 

[Noraya]

I think it would be a tragedy if the Queens long reign was to just dwindle and fizzle out. She has been a fantastic leader, a real statesperson and a constant in just about everybody's life. I wish she could get over her fear of showing weakness by appearing in a wheelchair, after all there is no shame in it and she is still as sharp as a tack. Somebody get her a power chair so she can zoom about the palace and maintain her independence. Long may she reign.

I agree! What a role model she could be for soooo many people! (I m still working part time in community care, and I have patients who dont have a lot of quality of life because they dont want to be seen in a wheelchair. "People will stare at me" "I m ashamed" etc.

 

[joshram]

I think it would be a tragedy if the Queens long reign was to just dwindle and fizzle out. She has been a fantastic leader, a real statesperson and a constant in just about everybody's life. I wish she could get over her fear of showing weakness by appearing in a wheelchair, after all there is no shame in it and she is still as sharp as a tack. Somebody get her a power chair so she can zoom about the palace and maintain her independence. Long may she reign.

I agree. I know a few people who limit their lives by refusing to be seen in a wheelchair. The Queen could set a trend. Many people still achieve great things though confined to a wheelchair.