The Queen is due to cut back on her overseas tours, paving the way for the Prince and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, to "step in", according to reports.
After the 78-year-old monarch's upcoming nine-day triada with her 83-year-old husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, the royal couple's agenda will include fewer long-distance tours. Although the North America trip won't be their last, "the length and frequency of these official visits will be reduced," a source told the Daily Mail. "That is where the Prince of Wales and his wife will step in."
A representative confirmed the Prince will see his role gradually increase over time. "Her Majesty has always embraced change and been mindful that it may be necessary for Prince Chares to take on more responsibility," said the spokesperson. "It's important that the job of monarch goes on. Any transition, whenever that is, has to be smooth."
For now, however, the newlyweds are relaxing in the Scottish countryside on honeymoon. And while they relish the tranquillity of the Birkhall estate, royal watchers and fans can peruse some new details relating to the wedding, such as the couple's just-released wedding certificate (pictured), and the Poet Laureate's commemorative poem.
Entitled Spring Wedding, Andrew Motion's composition ends with the verse: "The heart which slips and sidles like a stream / Weighed down by winter-wreckage near its source / But given time, and come the clearing rain / Breaks loose to revel in its proper course."
|
)
)
