Royal experts believe Prince Charles could become King sooner than people think, as claims have surfaced that he plans to give up the lease on his much-loved Home Farm in Gloucestershire.
The Prince of Wales has been farming organic produce on the property for more than three decades, but with the lease up for renewal, another 20 years is not something the future King can commit to.
Next year, Queen Elizabeth II is due to celebrate her 95th birthday in April, at which point royal experts have speculated she may hand over her remaining duties to her eldest son, Charles, Prince of Wales, who would officially become Prince Regent while the Queen would still retain her title.
Clarence House’s spokesperson confirmed Prince Charles would be giving up the lease at Home Farm and using it as a holiday retreat instead.
The statement also shared that the prince would continue farming at Sandringham, the royal estate in Norfolk; however, he is not expected to have a new property there.
Clarence House stated: “The Prince of Wales will not be renewing his lease on Home Farm but will continue to farm organically at Sandringham.”
Robert Jobson, a royal commentator, says he believes the Queen will step down when she turns 95, meaning Prince Charles would step up and take on new royal duties — either as Prince Regent or King.
Jobson previously stated: “I still firmly believe when the Queen becomes 95, that she will step down.”
The Newsweek royal reporter explained: “I think she won’t want to, but realistically she will get to a point where she has handed over everything to Charles and then how do you look your son in the eye and tell him he is not going to be King?”
Insiders at Buckingham Palace believe Queen Elizabeth will resume some of her public duties after the coronavirus pandemic.
A royal source familiar with the situation shared: “It’s a delicate line, but I think we will see her doing private audiences again and more of the work we are used to seeing her do in public at some point in the future. She is still receiving her red Government boxes and having her weekly audience with the Prime Minister.”
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip have spent most of the year isolating at Windsor Castle; however, the monarch has continued with private engagements.
The traditional annual Christmas gathering for the royal family at Sandringham was canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Next year, the Duke of Edinburgh is also due to celebrate his 100th birthday, but according to insiders, he does not want “a fuss” over the occasion.
