Speculation Queen Elizabeth II may abdicate continues with royal watchers and analysts saying the current crisis engulfing the royals may just be the catalyst that makes her mind up.
In the documentary The Queen and Charles - Mother and Son royal expert Angela Levin says the Queen may step down when she turns 95 next year. Levin said the Queen's advancing age might be a factor "forcing" her to step down, according to the Daily Express.
Others have echoed Levin's assertions. They said the Queen might pave the way for Prince Charles to become king. In the meantime, the Prince of Wales will become Prince Regent - or "king in all but name."
But several royal biographers and historians disagree. They said the Queen is still "strong" and "confident."
In the documentary Queen: Duty Before Family? royal historian Anne Whitelock said there is "no chance" of the British Monarch abdicating. She referred to the then-Princess' speech about her life-long commitment to serving her people.
A separate report from the Daily Express said the Queen's experiences in the past may have affected her decision to commit her life to the British Monarchy no matter how "short or long" it will be.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams called the abdication rumors "rubbish." He said the Queen's uncle Edward VIII's abdication in 1936 is still "regarded" with horror. He claimed that, despite her age, the Queen hasn't forgotten this and how it ultimately changed the course of her life.
Nevertheless, the abdication speculation has increased following her recent relocation to Balmoral. In mid-March she moved from Buckingham Palace to self-isolate at Windsor Castle.
The Queen and Prince Philip spend all summers at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire but her move this year has stirred more abdication rumors as a result of the virus pandemic. Many believe she won't return to her "work residence" in London.
