Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning monarch in British history, but the growing Brexit crisis could force her to abdicate.
The Brexit crisis reportedly threatens the 93-year-old monarch to come up to a decision she'd never undertake in her 67 years in the throne. The new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tries to find ways around the Brexit deadlock, but there's one option floated on the proroguing Parliament.
Proroguing is a process wherein Queen Elizabeth would end a session of Parliament and the time before it reopened. Only Her Majesty can prorogue Parliament, but she only does this on a nominal basis on the Prime Minister's advice.
This time, however, the Parliament reportedly voted against proroguing Parliament, pushing through "no deal" Brexit. If ever Johnson asked the monarch to prorogue and she obliged, it will reportedly become the most dramatic and political move during her 67-year reign.
Some lawmakers are reportedly concerned that Johnson will try to push a "no deal" Brexit, it which the UK leaves the economic and political block without agreeing for commerce and trade to continue. The majority of the lawmakers in the Parliament are against on "no deal" Brexit, but the new British Prime Minister reportedly refused to rule out overruling parliament through prorogation.
According to Alex De Ruyter, the Director of Birmingham City University's Centre for Brexit Studies, this could potentially politicize the role of Queen Elizabeth. While it's almost impossible seeing Her Majesty trying to override the elected Parliament, ignoring the request of the sitting Prime Minister would also be problematic for her.
The monarch has also understood how important it is for the royal family not to be involved in the political governing of the country, or risk jeopardizing the legitimacy of the monarchy, as well as their role within the commonwealth. But because of this political turmoil, many were worried about Queen Elizabeth's workload.
The monarch said in a public address when she's just 21 years old that she'll declare her whole life - whether it would be long or short - and she would be devoted to the service of the great imperial family to which all of them belong.
It turns out Her Majesty enjoyed living a long life, and some were now wondering if it's time for her to retire, just like her husband, Prince Philip. For royal expert Duncan Larcombe, the monarch is still in good health despite her old age, yet he also believes the Queen is entitled to retire by now.
