GUARD AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE of The Firm

NEXT year promises to be a watershed for our royals. For this is a monarchy in transition from the old to the new.

In 2018 our Queen will turn 92 and already semi-retired Prince Phillip 97.

The Duke of Edinburgh, who quit solo engagements this year, has said he feels he has already “done his bit”.

Her Majesty will carry on in the top job supported more and more by her heir Prince Charles and his sons, William and Harry. But for how long?

Charles, who will celebrate his milestone 70th birthday in November, already stood in for her at a major national event at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday with his mother watching on from a balcony.

Queen Elizabeth is an iconic figure, but she is only human and like everyone has to accept the passing of time.

There has been talk that should she live to 95 she would then pass the baton to Charles, making him Prince Regent – although never quitting or abdicating her title.

Future

Whether that happens or not is not really that important, for the passing of responsibility is already happening. When Charles travels abroad now he is there on her authority as she no longer makes long haul flights.

The emphasis has already shifted to the younger royals of “Team Windsor”.

Charles will take the lead, guiding his sons, and will one day reign. But public attention globally is already focused on William, Kate, and their young family and Harry and his bride to be Meghan. They are the future.

In recent years the two princes have enjoyed careers outside royalty; William a search and rescue helicopter pilot and Harry a military officer. They both hinted being a full-time royal would “drive one spare”.

Their lack of royal duties unfairly led to them being labelled work shy.

Since then the brothers have knuckled down and are proving themselves to be a great asset to the royals and the country.

They have drastically increased the number of engagements they carry out and patronages - making a real difference to the mental health debate in this country as a result.

They have devoted themselves fully to the service, to Queen and country at home and abroad.