GETTY queen elizabeth step down emergency buckingham palace throne prince charles

FREE now and never miss the top Royal stories again. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up fornow and never miss the top Royal stories again. We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

Royal insiders have told the Daily Star that Buckingham Palace will make a crucial announcement sometime after 5pm today. The source claimed a meeting was held today, concerning the Queen retiring to her preferred residence at Windsor Castle for a while. Speculation was also rife after the details of a second “emergency meeting” of the Queen’s Royal Household and Kensington Palace Staff were kept under wraps. The Daily Star source said it "unbelievable as we have never had two big meetings in one day".

The second meeting was initially presumed to reveal the engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, but rumours hint it could directly concern the Queen and Prince Philip. The Duke of Edinburgh retired from royal duties earlier this year after a long and accomplished career alongside the Queen. Prince Philip’s sudden retirement was the last time the Queen’s household staff were called in for such a big meeting. At Remembrance Sunday ceremony this month, the monarch stepped back to let Prince Charles take the spotlight.

Portraits of Queen Elizabeth II Mon, November 20, 2017 Queen Elizabeth II through art and photography. Play slideshow PA 1 of 27 Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh celebrate their platinum wedding anniversary

Queen Elizabeth II is the longest reigning monarch in British history, and at the age of 91, royal duties are becoming more difficult.

I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service Queen Elizabeth II

Earlier in September it was suggested if the Queen is still on the throne by the age of 95, she will initiate The Regency Act. The Regency Act would allow the Queen to step back, and make Charles the King in all but name as Prince Regent. The beloved monarch still has links to several hundred charities and an incredibly busy schedule of royal engagements.

GETTY Queen Elizabeth is the longest serving British monarch in history

Just 10 days ago she knighted British Olympian Mo Farah. On September 9 2015, Queen Elizabeth surpassed her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria as the longest ruling monarch. Then in 2017 she became the first ever British monarch to celebrate a milestone sapphire jubilee – 65 years on the throne. An abdication would absolutely stun the nation. The Queen has been served by 13 Prime Minsters, has met countless heads of state and is a steadfast symbol of the British Royal Family.

Queen Elizabeth II in pictures Tue, July 3, 2018 The latest pictures of Her Majesty the Queen. Play slideshow PA 1 of 100 Queen Elizabeth II attends a reception for 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force