A few days after accompanying her husband Prince Philip to the funeral, the Queen will mark her birthday • Now twilight of Elizabeth's reign begins, and the 72-year-old Prince Charles is preparing for the role of King
Queen Elizabeth
Photo:
IP
The British royal family said goodbye only last Saturday to Prince Philip who was laid to rest, and now comes the new drama in the kingdom - Queen Elizabeth's 95th birthday which will be celebrated tomorrow (Wednesday).
It is not yet clear if any event will be held in light of the unfortunate circumstances.
The combination of events is a reminder to the United Kingdom that the Queen's long tenure is about to end.
The death of Prince Philip has ignited speculation over the question of how much time Elizabeth has left in the throne, what the monarchy will look like in the future and whether there is any point in the monarchical institution in the modern era.
Archive photo: Reuters
"The Queen is moving towards twilight and a new stage," explained Anna Whitlock, director of the Center for Modern Monarchy Research at the University of London.
While most observers say the Queen will not relinquish her public duties in her official role, she has already shifted some of the responsibility to Prince Charles, her 72-year-old son, following the death of her husband Philip.
Prince Charles' role has gradually expanded since the Queen began to give up long-haul flights.
For example, he took her place at an official conference in Sri Lanka in 2013.
"Symbolically, the process of succession is already in full swing," explained a historian specializing in the experiences of the British monarchy.
In a conversation with the AP news agency, he estimated that Britain was going to see more of Prince Charles in the coming years, so that citizens would begin to get used to seeing him in his new role as king.