Queen Elizabeth's Step-Down Plan: Charles' Wedding Decision

In the final episode of *The Crown*, Queen Elizabeth is depicted contemplating abdication, and announcing her decision to her family at the wedding of King Charles and Queen Camilla. However, in real life, Queen Elizabeth never thought about abdication. In 2003, she told the Archbishop of Canterbury that abdication is something I can't do. I’m going to carry on to the end.

Queen Elizabeth's speech at Charles and Camilla's wedding

> They have overcome Becher's Brook and The Chair and all kinds of other terrible obstacles. They have come through and I'm very proud and wish them well. My son is home and dry with the woman he loves.

The speech was an unusually sentimental one for the monarch, capturing the visceral sense of relief the couple had, in their fifties, to be able to make their enduring love official. One guest, Jilly Cooper, said: "Everyone was in stitches at the Queen's speech. It was such a lovely affectionate tribute."

In 2021, royal historian Hugo Vickers explained that one of the main reasons the Queen would not abdicate is that, unlike other European monarchs, she is an anointed Queen. And if you are an anointed Queen, you do not abdicate. In real life, Queen Elizabeth never thought about abdication. In 2003, she told the then-Archbishop of Canterbury that abdication is "something I can't do. I’m going to carry on to the end."

Queen Elizabeth's abdication

Royal historian Hugo Vickers explained in 2021 that "one main reason why the Queen will absolutely not abdicate is unlike other European monarchs, she is an anointed Queen. And if you are an anointed Queen you do not abdicate."

Queen Elizabeth's horses

The Queen's love for horses is well-known, and she has been a keen equestrian since her youth. She has owned and bred many horses over the years, and they have played an important role in her life. The Queen is known to take a keen interest in the breeding and training of her horses, and she has been a patron of the Turf Club since 1969.

The Queen's horses have competed in many races over the years, and they have achieved notable success. In addition to racing, the Queen's horses have also been used for ceremonial purposes, such as royal processions and state visits. The Queen's Mounted Troop, for example, is a mounted cavalry unit that accompanies the Queen on official engagements and participates in ceremonial events.

The Queen's horses are also known for their appearance. The Queen is known for her love of colourful outfits, and her horses are often adorned with matching blankets and accessories. The Queen's Mounted Troop, for example, features horses with colourful plumes and saddlery, adding a touch of elegance and tradition to their appearances.

Queen Elizabeth's cousin Margaret Rhodes

In the final episode of *The Crown*, Queen Elizabeth is depicted contemplating abdication and announcing her decision to her family at the wedding of King Charles and Queen Camilla. However, in real life, Queen Elizabeth never thought about abdication. In 2003, she told the Archbishop of Canterbury that abdication is "something I can't do. I’m going to carry on to the end". According to writer Matthew Dennison in his book *The Queen*, Queen Elizabeth "did not contemplate abdication, she told her cousin Margaret Rhodes, 'unless I get Alzheimer’s or have a stroke'"".

Margaret Rhodes LVO (born Margaret Elphinstone; 9 June 1925 – 25 November 2016) was a British aristocrat and a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon. She was one of Queen Elizabeth's closest confidantes and spent her summer holidays at Balmoral with the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. From 1991 to 2002, she served as Woman of the Bedchamber to her aunt Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

Queen Elizabeth's anointment

In the final episode of *The Crown*, Queen Elizabeth (Imelda Staunton) is depicted contemplating abdication and announcing her decision to her family at the wedding of King Charles and Queen Camilla. However, in real life, Queen Elizabeth never thought about abdication. In 2003, she told the then-Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, that abdication is "something I can't do. I’m going to carry on to the end". She also told her cousin Margaret Rhodes that she would not abdicate "unless I get Alzheimer’s or have a stroke".

At Charles and Camilla's wedding, Queen Elizabeth gave a short, funny, and sweet speech, in which she referred to the couple as "They have overcome Becher's Brook and The Chair and all kinds of other terrible obstacles" (referring to the Aintree Racecourse). She added, "They have come through and I'm very proud and wish them well. My son is home and dry with the woman he loves". One guest, Jilly Cooper, said, "Everyone was in stitches at the Queen's speech. It was such a lovely affectionate tribute".

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