Queen Elizabeth II has been advised by physicians to take a two week break from royal duties, which will hopefully give her enough time and energy to attend the Remembrance Day Ceremony, something she has rarely ever missed. It’s just another sign, including her walking with a cane, that it’s become apparent that Prince Charles ascension to the throne is closer now than ever before. 

Are the Prince of Wales, Prince William and the rest of the royal family ready to really lead the royal family into the 21st century?

The Queen, who has always been remarkably healthy, has had several health episodes in the recent days, months after the loss of her husband of 73 years.

After spending time in a hospital last week, the Queen is now taking a two-week rest period. 

In an official statement, the palace said, “Following on from their recent advice that The Queen should rest for a few days, Her Majesty’s doctors have advised that she should continue to rest for at least the next two weeks.

“The doctors have advised that Her Majesty can continue to undertake light, desk-based duties during this time, including some virtual Audiences, but not to undertake any official visits. Her Majesty regrets that this means she will be unable to attend the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday, 13th November.

“However, it remains The Queen’s firm intention to be present for the National Service of Remembrance on Remembrance Sunday, on 14th November.”

Her Majesty is passionate about Remembrance Sunday and has been seen fighting back tears during the somber event. That she could potentially miss it would be rather shocking.

The Queen also canceled a trip to Northern Ireland and now a trip to Scotland for COP26, and so it will be up to Prince Charles, Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall, and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to host in her stead.

And it looks like this will be happening more and more as time goes on. The Queen is entering the last years of her life, and her son and grandson will inherit a monarchy that is in a precarious spot.

The Megxit debate is still raging. While the public is generally falling on the side of the monarchy as time goes on and more of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s comments are debunked, but that could change when the Duke of Sussex releases his memoirs. In the book, it’s been reported that he will finally reveal who made the allegedly racist comment towards Archie. 

Depending on who Prince Harry is trying to malign, it could damage the reign of Prince Charles or Prince William.

In addition, Prince Andrew is fighting sexual assault allegations, which may go to trial next year and put a shadow over the Queens Platinum Jubilee. The Duke of York is supposedly Her Majesty’s favorite child, so she may struggle to maintain a dignified distance from her son’s mess.

Prince Charles is also working on slimming down the monarchy. This process is happening across Europe, as nearly every royal family is minimizing the number of working royals on the payroll in order to maintain their limited powers. 

But with Harry and Meghan leaving and Prince Andrew completely sidelined, the number of royals he has to work with are even more limited. It makes the whole thing even more challenging.

COP26 could be considered the partial beginning of King Charles III’s reign. He is increasingly taking the reigns as the Queen will spend more and more time as the highest-ranking royal at an event.

Though it’s sad to see the Queen take a backseat to some extent, she is 95-year-old. She definitely deserves some rest and relaxation, especially after the year she’s had.