Make no mistake, what we were witnessing today at the State Opening of Parliament is hugely significant in the story of the House of Windsor.
The simple act of the Prince of Wales for the first time reading the Queen’s Speech in her place marked a sea-change in the transition of the Crown.
As he addressed the assembled politicians, informing them of the Government’s plans for the next session, with his son the Duke of Cambridge watching on, one couldn’t help thinking the Queen — unable to attend due to ongoing mobility problems — was passing on the baton. Continuity is everything to our dutiful monarch. Her Majesty has always been there when we have needed her — most recently with her “we’ll meet again” broadcast in the height of the first pandemic lockdown, as scientists were still striving to find a vaccine.
Her assured, measured tones gave us all confidence. At 96, surely it is now time for us to be there for her.
She should not have to continually wait to issue statements about “will she, won’t she” be at a particular event. It is neither right nor proper.
As planners in London prepare for the platinum jubilee celebrations, the royal family and the Government should use this watershed moment to bring matters to a head.
Her Majesty has already announced she wished the Duchess of Cornwall to be queen consort when Charles becomes king. She also urged Commonwealth leaders to support Charles as its next head when the time comes, which they did.
She will remain our Queen but she should not be expected to continue to carry out the mentally taxing and physical demands required of a constitutional head of state.
Charles, 73, is the best prepared monarch in waiting ever. He is a man of vision. He is, like his mother, dedicated and dutiful.
At 96, the Queen should be free to relax and spend time doing exactly what she pleases. She deserves the chance to step aside while retaining her crown, and let Charles take the reins in the twilight of her illustrious reign. The end of her jubilee celebrations might be the right time to do that.
