Britain’s Prince Charles is to be given a more ”prominent” role in royal life.
The 64-year-old heir to the throne is to step up and take on more official duties to ease the burden on his mother, 87-year-old Queen Elizabeth, with it being claimed there has even been discussions in a change of the law that would allow Charles regent status – something which has previously only occurred when the reigning monarch is seriously incapacitated – and effectively become co-ruler.
A source told the Daily Mail newspaper: ”There is an increasing sense that [the queen] cannot go on as she has been. She is approaching her 90s. She has extraordinary stamina for a woman of her age.
”Her appointments across the board are going to be reviewed and Prince Charles, who is already doing more, will become more prominent.
”What is being discussed is whether that happens informally, as it has been for some time, or whether something more formal is pursued.”
The claims come after it was announced the queen will not attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference in Sri Lanka in November, with Charles taking her place for the first time in 40 years.
It is believed the decision was made as part of a review of long-haul trips, with the ageing monarch concerned not to put too much strain on her 92-year-old husband Prince Philip, who accompanies her on most trips.
A palace source said: ”From now on any long-haul trips will be looked at on a case by case basis.
”There is no suggestion that the queen’s diary will become less busy but it is part of an ongoing process looking at the queen’s long-haul travel arrangements.”