QUEEN'S SHOCK MOVE 'I MUST STEP DOWN'

AS CONCERNS FOR HER HEALTH GROW, SHE MAKES A TOUGH CHOICE

For the royal family, and indeed the world, it’s hard to believe this day would come. Queen Elizabeth II has worn the crown for 69 years, and at the incredible age of 95, it seemed she would continue as our sovereign forever – until now.

Last week, it was revealed that Her Majesty was secretly hospitalised “for tests” in October, after abruptly pulling out of a royal tour to Northern Ireland. The news sent shock waves through the Commonwealth, as it comes to terms with the fact that the monarch is slowing down.

New Idea can reveal that the Queen and her heirs have had “some very frank discussions” in recent weeks about “how much more she can realistically take on”.

“All the top royals were involved, from Prince Charles and Camilla [Duchess of Cornwall] to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Princess Anne,” says a source.

“Everyone is all too aware that the Queen wants to serve for the entirety of her life, but she can’t argue with the fact that she can no longer perform the same duties as before.”