Queen Elizabeth
Queen ElizabethReuters

British monarch Queen Elizabeth II has vowed she will never abdicate the throne.

Despite that pledge, however, the British daily Mail on Sunday reports that plans are in place for Queen to step aside if she is still on the throne at 95, allowing Prince Charles to assume power.

Palace sources indicated to the Mail on Sunday that the monarch, who is now 91, may ask for the Regency Act to come into force at that point.

This would see Charles assume the title of Prince Regent and carry out the duties of the monarchy, meaning that he would be king in all but name.

If the Queen made the decision to enforce the act, it would see her effectively retire, much like her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, who at 96, stepped back from royal duties last month.

A former senior member of the Royal Household told the Mail on Sunday: ‘Out of the profound respect the Queen holds for the institution of monarchy and its stewardship, Her Majesty would want to make sure that she has done everything she can for her country and her people before she hands over. She is dutiful to her core."

‘Her Majesty is mindful of her age and wants to make sure when the time comes, the transition of the Crown is seamless.

‘I understand the Queen has given the matter considerable thought and believes that, if she is still alive at 95, she will seriously consider passing the reins to Charles.’