Abdicate

Does Anne really defer to anyone? Beats me why people get so het up about that sort of thing...

Quite agree, JessM. Well done for stating the obvious. Cannot really see Anne deferring to Queen Consort anyway. Makes you wonder why the West still "panders" to Mugabe. Will check the www to see if any stories throw any light on to this. Might be the Iraq syndrome. Better the devil you know.

I am not generally given to saying " X should retire" but regarding the monarchy I think it is Charles that should step aside. I'm sure Camilla would be pleased.
But if there is one person who really, really, should bloody step down it is Mugabe. 89 and standing for re-election today, afraid if he lets go the reins he will end up in international criminal court before you can say "rigged election"

Has anyone read "The Lake House" by James Patterson. It is a sequel to "When the Wind Blows" by the same author. Whilst the stories are hugely fictional - allegedly - the author does state that his scientific friends say it is happening. At the present day, you just need to be a billionaire to be able to use the medical facilities offered. Many, many well known people are mentioned in "The Lake House". Spooky.

Same here Tegan funny that!

Yes, but failing eyesight balances it out because I don't notice the dirt on the skirting board therefore it never gets done .

Shocking when your knees aren't up to it any more, Ana. Knees are so useful for kneeling to do those many boring chores one has to do. For instance; I struggle to get down on my knees to dust and wash skirting boards these days.

I wish I were quick witted enough to think of an appropriate remark, Merlot. The mind will just have to boggle - a lot! As for the Commonwealth. The powers that be slipped up when they appointed QEII (sounds like a large boat - or is it me) their first Head of the CW. It is only an honorary title apparently and PoW is going to have to apply for the jobbie.. I wonder if he will have to sign on and join the queue. Images of the bennies line in the "Full Monty" scene when they unconsciously practice their tap dance spring to mind. Again; it must be me.

Abdication is even less likely than her being killed by a moose in a top hat falling out of an aeroplane while singing "God save the Queen" and swilling a glass of gin and tonic.

I bet they don't think of Elizabeth II when the word queen is mentioned in other countries with monarchs, such as Japan or Denmark. That's probably only true in anglophone and Commonwealth countries.

Doubt her knees would be up to it by then anyway....

I doubt it, CelticRose. I don't think the Queen Mother ever had to curtsey to her daughter.

If the Queen does abdicate, would she have to curtsey and defer pole position to Camilla? Sorry, the new Queen Consort.

Actually that's a very interesting point when ....I wonder

I read once that she regards her position in life as a duty bestowed upon
her by God and therefore will never abdicate. Personally, I think it would be a good idea for her to put her feet up at long last and have a few years without living in the goldfish bowl, but I doubt if she will take any notice of my opinion.
I think the monarchy is in good hands with Charles, then William, and then......... who? Good luck to Kate today.

anno so will I, why shouldn't she?

HM will go on until she drops. Guaranteed!

Does she want to beat Victoria's record as longest reigning monarch? She might be absolutely knackered and ready to relax when she's beat her 63 plus years!

merlot I doubt they will tell us what is wrong with Philip, I think he feels that his body is his business and we don't need to know.

I bet Prince Charles wishes she'd abdicate!

We've heard nothing about Philip for ages. I wonder if they are waiting until after the baby's born and the hoo-ha has died down before letting everyone know what's actually wrong with him?

I don't think she will abdicate either - she is letting the younger ones take over some of her duties, but I think she has such a strong sense of duty that she will carry on until it is physically impossible. Looking at her on TV, she walks and stands as well as ever, no sign of needing a stick.
The only good things about Charles taking over is that perhaps it will stop him trying to influence Ministers - I found the news that he has been talking to Jeremy Hunt about homeopathy quite alarming.

I heard that wherever you go in the world if you mention 'the queen' everyone always assumes ours. Why should she abdicate, she is more popular than her son?

Ah beware of pillows in the middle of the night. (I have been watching the white queen.)

If she's inherited her mother's genes then she's good for another 15 years yet!

No way!