Women Of Windsor

Buckle up for a changing of the royal guard this year as the Queen turns 93 and the young royals – including the pivotal Duchesses – step up,

- Juliet Rieden

The secret to the longevity of the British monarchy is a quite brilliant smoke and mirrors combination of evolution and stability. For centuries this historic institution has managed to stay relevant to current times while also seemingly not changing, which is quite a feat. Maintaining a still point in our frenetically turning world is how the Queen has approached her role as Head of State; while everything around her changes, Her Majesty stays the same and she pulls it off with significant aplomb.

While 13 UK and 16 New Zealand prime ministers, and 11 US presidents, have passed through Buckingham Palace’s drawing room, Her Majesty has remained a reliable symbol of duty and steadfastness, devoting her “whole life to the service of the great imperial family” as she pledged on her 21st birthday in 1947.

But this year, the House of Windsor is preparing for huge internal changes. The courts of Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Kensington Palace are set to shimmy into new positions to take the monarchy forward. While it may not feel appropriate to talk about a dénoument to this happy and glorious Elizabethan marathon, with Her Majesty turning 93 in April, moves are afoot behind the scenes to ensure a smooth transition to the next royal era. Achieving this shift while outwardly still looking and feeling like the same royal family is where the magic happens. The official photograph for Prince Charles’ 70th birthday was the first step towards establishing the new Royal Firm with The Prince of Wales, his wife, his sons and their families now taking the lead.

Queen Elizabeth II winds down