The Queen ‘deserves to put her feet up’ while Prince Charles ‘must do the heavy lifting’, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s friend Omid Scobie has claimed.
The author of the Finding Freedom biography said one ‘might be forgiven’ for reading this ‘lighter lineup of the Prince of Wales mother’s duties’ as a ‘lack of faith within the institution for his ability to take on the job.’
Writing for Yahoo, Omid penned: ‘With the Queen now comfortably in the final chapter of her reign, now is the time for Prince Charles to prove he is truly capable of continuing her 70-year legacy (and a final chance to capture the imagination of those still unconvinced).’
Omid’s comments come as the Queen, who now rarely carries out public engagements outside of her royal residences and uses a walking cane, made a during a surprise visit to Paddington Station to officially open the Elizabeth line.
The Queen ‘deserves to put her feet up’ while Prince Charles ‘must do the heavy lifting’ and ‘prove he is capable’ of continuing her legacy, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s friend Omid Scobie has claimed
Last week, the monarch asked her son and heir to the throne Prince Charles to preside over the state opening of Parliament and deliver the Queen’s Speech, which lays out the government’s legislative program.
Palace officials have said she is experiencing “episodic mobility problems” in recent months and has difficulties moving around.
Omid said ahead of the event, the Queen felt ‘only one man should take on her responsibility’ but it was ‘not the first step towards a regency.’
However he penned sources had told him it ‘served as part of a larger, strategic rollout of plans’ to ‘normalise’ the image of the Prince of Wales as king ahead of a coronation.
Last week, the monarch asked her son and heir to the throne Prince Charles to preside over the state opening of Parliament and deliver the Queen’s Speech, which lays out the government’s legislative program
‘Given he’s the longest-serving heir apparent in British history, one might be forgiven for reading this lighter lineup of his mother’s duties as a lack of faith within the institution for his ability to take on the job.’
Meanwhile Omid said the ‘reality’ of June ‘being the last time we see the Queen in such a public setting’ was setting in for many members of the British public.
He went on to explain the ‘transition’ between the Queen’s reign and Charles’ first years as King would need to be ‘smooth’.
Omid added: ‘Whether Charles has exactly what it takes will only be seen once he ascends the throne, but one thing is for sure — The Queen has earned every right to conserve her energy for celebratory moments that the nation can enjoy alongside her.’
Omid said ahead of the event, the Queen felt ‘only one man should take on her responsibility’ but it was ‘not the first step towards a regency’ (pictured together in October 2021)
‘And for the jobs that will help Charles prepare for reign change, the head of ‘the Firm’ can finally put her feet up. She most definitely deserves it.’
His comments were published today as the Queen made a surprise visit to Paddington Station to officially open the Elizabeth line with Prince Edward – days after cancelling her appearance at the State Opening of Parliament due to ‘mobility issues’.
Dressed in sunshine yellow, the Queen arrived at Paddington at 11.32am, stepping carefully from the transparent lift while holding a walking stick and smiling warmly.
Unveiling a plaque stating that she had ‘officially opened’ the Elizabeth line, the monarch spent 10 minutes in the station before leaving in a lift, escorted by her son Edward.
His comments were published today as the Queen made a surprise visit to Paddington Station to officially open the Elizabeth line with Prince Edward
Her attendance was not publicly announced in advance, with the head of state facing ongoing mobility problems, but organisers were told there was a possibility she might be able to attend.
The Queen rallied to make a trip to the Windsor Horse Show on Friday and on Sunday was the guest of honour at the equestrian extravaganza A Gallop Through History near Windsor, the first major event of the Jubilee festivities.
Her public appearances are being closely watched as Britain prepares to celebrate the monarch’s 70 years on the throne with four days of Platinum Jubilee festivities June 2-5.
The celebration will be marked with national events including a live concert featuring some of the world’s biggest stars to a service of thanksgiving – and a day at the races.
Individual members of the royal family have yet to be named in the plans but it is likely the Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and other members of the monarchy will attend various events.