The Queen and Prince Philip: More time in BalmoralThe Queen turns 90 next year, Philip will be 94 and it seems that at last a sense of reality about Her Majesty’s packed schedule has been allowed to intrude.
The Queen is expected to dramatically cut back on the number of events she attends in 2016 and may spend more time at Balmoral, her Scottish retreat. The Queen and the Duke usually spend all of July and August and part of September in Scotland, but that period may grow significantly.
The Queen has also reportedly told her aides to plan for her to reside on a more full-time basis in Scotland if Philip dies before her.
A source told the Express: “There is a feeling that if the Duke of Edinburgh passed away her preference would be to spend more time in Scotland. The discussion has been if he goes before her that would be her wish.
“She loves Scotland, it has always been a great comfort to her, where she is happiest and most relaxed. Everyone will play it by ear but the feeling is the Scottish plan will be what she wants to do.”
The Queen, who only lives at Buckingham Palace for about six months of the year anyway, when Windsor and Sandringham stays are counted, is not fond of her London residence, calling it “the flat above the shop,” sources tell the Beast.
Prince Charles: Reins of powerPrince Charles has made little secret of his impatience to get his hands on the reins of power, and 2016 will be the year when he steps to the forefront of the Royal Family in preparation for his mother’s death.
Awards ceremonies at Buckingham Palace are increasingly carried out by Charles and William, and Charles is now officially being lined up by his mother to replace her as head of the Commonwealth, which could happen before she dies as the post is not formally a monarchical role.
Charles has already implemented may of his plans, most notably cutting his brothers out of Royal life in pursuit of a ‘slimmed-down’ monarchy. Prince William: More toastPrince William likes toast. Friends say he’s always making the stuff. So it is good news that at the new Cambridgeshire Air Ambulance HQ at Cambridge airport, the authorities have installed a toaster in the break-out room.
William is, much to the amazement of many senior royals, apparently determined to follow through on his pledges to Kate to lead a ‘normal’ life, and is pursuing his career with the air ambulance doggedly.The former RAF search and rescue pilot is regarded as “one of the team” and has kept a low profile, stressing he wants to concentrate on his duties. Kate: Third child?Kate and William are said to want a third child, and there is little doubt in the minds of many royal-watchers that Kate would like ideally to get pregnant again this year. She is expected to keep her royal engagements to a minimum, focusing on a few high-profile, high-impact events for favored charities such as Action on Addiction. Pippa: More extreme sportsKate's sister Pippa’s new career as a fitness guru is primed and ready to launch. Expect more magazine columns and a book deal this year based on nutrition and health.
The whisper is she is fed up of the Royal Family’s ban on her doing any media, and is talking to various London-based production companies about a wellness series. Fergie: More QVCSpeaking of money-grabbing peripheral royals… Sarah Ferguson--‘the Duchess’ to you—is tied into a new commercial deal with mail-order specialist Tristar Products, and will be merrily shilling for them in 2016 on QVC and other outlets. Prince Philip still reportedly goes ballistic at the mention of her name.
Harry: Less partyingHarry will behave faultlessly in 2016. Promises, promises…
