One day probably not so far in the future, we will have to get used to the idea that there is no longer a Queen who rules the roost, but a King.
This week, Queen Beatrix of Netherlands announced that she will step down, allowing her son Crown Prince Willem Alexander to take the reigns.
Of course, since the announcement questions and rumours have been swirling about whether Queen Elizabeth will step down and let Charles or William (finally) become King.
The chances of that happening are as slim as her riding bareback on one of her stallions.
But, it makes for an interesting thought.
Don't you think that she deserves a break, maybe take a cruise or participate in one of the Contiki tours around Italy?
Perhaps then, Buckingham Palace could become open to the public, like another Disneyland, complete with waterslides and horsey-rides. Instead of buying Mickey Mouse ears like in California or Florida, you could buy busbies and have your name embroidered in the bear fur?
She would have so much more free time if she stepped down and gave Charles or whoever the keys to the castle.
She could finally start checking some of those things off her bucket list as well: learning how to crochet booties for Kate and Will's impending babe, learn how to start her own fires, raise her own flags, finally master those pesky hospital corners on the royal bedroom set that has been eluding her for years and of course concentrating on beating Princess Anne at lawn bowling.
In all seriousness, the argument is valid, that her stepping down in favour of having a younger voice as the head of the monarchy would do wonders for her legacy. Since the death of Princess Diana, her public image has fallen a few notches. The action of her dropping the scepter would also make the younger generations not feel so alienated from the monarchy.
It's why William is so popular, not to mention Kate. It doesn't help that William got his looks from his dear mum, either.
Probably the most famous abdication in recent memory at least is that of King Edward VIII. In 1936 Edward abdicated the British throne in order to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson, over the objections of the British establishment, the governments of the Commonwealth, the royal family and the Church of England.
Fast forward several decades and Madonna directs a movie about that very serious sacrifice.
See, Queen Elizabeth - you too could be the subject of a Madonna film. That in itself should be enticing enough to pack up the corgies.
Prior to Christmas, it was widely reported that Elizabeth had issued a decree stating that William would be next in line, skipping Charles entirely, but that was later proven to be false. As far as the Queen is concerned, the only way Prince Charles will not inherit is if he, himself, declines the throne, or if he predeceases his mother.
It is well undestood that the Queen sees her role as one for life. it's not only because she saw her father's scars from unexpectedly inheriting after her brother abdicated, but even if the Queen became infirm, she would remain a figurehead queen, with Prince Charles stepping in as a regent (substitute monarch).
So Liz, way not take a load off? You've battled through wars and recessions, scandal and coverups, why not make your Christmas postcard this year showing you and Philip taking in a lazy afternoon at West Edmonton Mall, so you can really explore all that your empire has to offer?
