Queen has 'no plans' of retiring at 95 'or any other age', royal rep shuts down rumors
Queen Elizabeth II reportedly does not plan to retire when she turns 95.
A spokesperson from Prince Charles' office released a statement refuting reports that the 93-year-old head of the British monarchy will soon be retiring and said no such decision has been made. "There are no plans for any change in arrangements at the age of 95—or any other age," the spokesperson told ET Online.
Reports emerged earlier this week that the Queen was relying on her son—and the heir to the throne—Prince Charles and his son Prince William for advice amidst the controversy involving Prince Andrew.
The reports also led to speculations that the Queen would hand over the reins to Charles when she turns 95.
A palace source, however, told People that there were some "over-interpretations going on about Charles’ role in the decision to downgrade Andrew’s public role". The source added that it was the Queen's decision to ask Prince Andrew to step back from his royal duties after his controversial BBC interview about sex offender and millionaire investor Jeffrey Epstein.
According to royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, the Queen cannot decide to step down from the throne and hand it over to her son. "The Queen can’t just wave a queen wand and say Charles you are my regent. It’s not her call," she said.
Meanwhile, ET, which spoke to royal expert Katie Nicholl, reported that although there are reports that the Queen forced Andrew to step down, sources told the expert that it was ultimately his choice to step away.
"My sources at Buckingham Palace are insisting that it was the duke's decision and that the statement reflects that," Nicholl explained. "He says it's his decision to step down with the Queen's approval.... Reading between the lines, it is my understanding that Andrew understood he had to go. It was made very clear to him in that meeting between him and the Queen that he had no choice but to step down from royal duties."