Queen to remain head of state as younger royals play bigger part
HER HUSBAND’S retirement notwithstanding, the Queen remains in her job for life.
At 91, her public duties and behind-the-scenes work as head of state continue, and she always made it clear that abdication is not an option.
On her 21st birthday in 1947, during her first official overseas visit, she made a famous radio broadcast from Cape Town in South Africa. “My whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong,” she said.
With Philip no longer at her side, the Queen will increasingly turn to younger members of “the Firm”, especially the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge.
William’s job as an air ambulance pilot ends in the summer – neatly timed for him to become a full-time royal just before his grandfather retires.
The Queen no longer carries out overseas duties and, although she still holds investitures, a number are also carried out by Charles, William and the Princess Royal.
Philip, however, will not disappear completely from public life. He could choose to make appearances on the Palace balcony for Trooping the Colour in future years or even turn up to greet US President Donald Trump during his proposed State visit.
Though she supports her husband’s decision to step down, she has made her own position abundantly clear.
“It’s a question of maturing into something that one’s got used to doing, and accepting the fact that it’s your fate, because I think continuity is very important,” she has said. “It is a job for life.”