THE retirement of the Duke of Edinburgh from official duties was bound to prompt speculation about the standing of Prince Charles.

Would he now become Prince Regent, possibly half-way to the Queen abdicating and him becoming king? Now, sources close to the royal family say this is definitely not happening. In fact, the Queen will continue her duties as always.

The world’s longest-reigning monarch is not only a fascinating figurehead in this country but also very astute. In general terms, she understands her people very well and I suspect she knows that the appetite to make Charles king is limited.

I’m not sure the populace will ever forgive him for the way Princess Diana was treated nor possibly do they see in him as an implacable monarch like his mother.

They may feel warmer to him and wife Camilla but as king and queen of this country? Maybe not yet.