Prince Charles is preparing to honor Queen Elizabeth's remarkable 70-year reign with a Platinum Jubilee celebration. Her Majesty's son and heir have been representing the 96-year-old monarch at a series of recent engagements in the run-up to the royal milestone, despite persisting "mobility issues."
The Prince of Wales, on behalf of his mother, performed the state opening of Parliament earlier this month. There have been calls for Prince Charles to be proclaimed Prince Regent ahead of the Jubilee, a position that permits a monarch's obligations to be carried out if they become incapable.
Queen Elizabeth to King Charles Transition
In light of these events, Express.co.uk talked with a constitutional expert on the royal protocol for Charles assuming the throne from the Queen. Dr. Robert Morris of the Constitution Unit at University College London outlined what would happen on the day Her Majesty passes away.
The term "demise" refers to both the death of the Sovereign and the legal succession of their successor. Because there cannot be a break in executive rule, Dr. Morris said that Prince Charles would become King immediately following the Queen's death.
In September of last year, information on the Royal Family's plans for the day the Queen passes away was revealed. The protocols, codenamed 'Operation London Bridge,' describe how Her Majesty's death would be notified to the Prime Minister, key government officials, and subsequently the general public. The Prime Minister will meet with King Charles, who will then conduct a broadcast to the country at 6 pm.
From her ties with Commonwealth states with rising republican inclination to those weekly conversations with prime ministers, the monarchy will undoubtedly alter with her successor. The monarch's eldest son and successor, Prince Charles, delivered the set-piece Queen's Speech opening parliament, demonstrating that a change is already taking place quietly.
Per Bloomberg via Yahoo, questions regarding the influence on politics will be asked when Queen Elizabeth eventually moves back from more frontline roles in the coming months. Prince Charles is already well-known for his "black spider" letters to ministers, which he has written in his signature handwriting throughout the years, expressing his views on everything from global warming to architecture.
British Royal Palace Silently Transfers Some Duties to Prince Charles
There's also the question of popular opinion on the monarchy. Despite the acclaim from lawmakers at home, a survey released on May 27 indicated that the public is divided on whether the royal family is a luxury the UK cannot afford. According to the most recent records, the monarchy cost the public $111 million in 2020-21.
The institution has had to deal with the consequences of the Queen's son, Prince Andrew, settling sexual abuse charges in a US court. Meanwhile, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle have relocated to the United States.
Prince Charles is becoming increasingly important to the aging monarch, who is handing more tasks to her eldest son and heir. That was evident last month when Prince Charles presided over the State Opening of Parliament with his wife, Camilla Parker Bowles, one of the monarch's most significant tasks.
The minor shift highlights the royal family's struggles as the 96-year-old Queen continues on the throne while Prince Charles becomes the monarchy's increasingly visible face. The royals are striving to solidify the position of a sometimes misunderstood heir and establish that the House of Windsor will carry on as Britain celebrates Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee this week.
For the time being, Prince Charles has realized that he can be a little less uptight in public - even more sociable. A special jubilee appearance on a television soap opera is a perfect example of this, as per Click on Detroit.
On the long-running BBC soap EastEnders, Prince Charles and Camilla will surprise locals with a street party to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. "You have got to see this mystery guest," partygoers are informed in footage played after a recent program before the royal couple pulls up in a vehicle beside The Queen Vic pub.
Related Article: [Report] Queen Elizabeth II Cancels Engagement with Prince Andrew To Meet Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's Daughter Lilibet
