Reports that the Prince of Wales is trying to usurp the Queen or demand a more prominent role for himself in Royal affairs were categorically denied last night by senior Palace sources.
The claims, aired last week, controversially suggested that the heir to the throne had been working to increase his responsibilities by the time he reaches his landmark 70th birthday next year, a move said to be known as Project 70.
But well-placed sources have told The Mail on Sunday that the so-called project is ‘fantasy’.
Reports that the Prince of Wales (right) is trying to usurp the Queen (left) or demand a more prominent role for himself were categorically denied last night by Palace sources
One said: ‘This is not the case. There is no such project. The Prince believes everything he does is representing Her Majesty anyway. He exists to serve. He is there to support her in everything she does.’
Claims that Charles had joined his younger brother Andrew in working to oust the Queen’s Private Secretary, Sir Christopher Geidt, have also been vigorously dismissed.
The news of Sir Christopher’s departure – revealed by The Mail on Sunday in July – came as a shock to Royal watchers and led to a dramatic shake-up of courtiers.
Other departures have been announced or are expected, with one insider even saying last month: ‘You could describe it as a right Royal shambles.’
Few observers doubt there are tensions between the three main Royal households: Kensington Palace, home to the young Royals, Clarence House, home to Prince Charles, and Buckingham Palace.
Claims that Charles had joined his younger brother Andrew in working to oust the Queen’s Private Secretary, Sir Christopher Geidt, have also been vigorously dismissed
But an unprecedented statement, issued in an apparent attempt to quell speculation about any strain, seems to have succeeded only in pouring fuel on the fire – because it was issued on behalf of all three, and not the Queen’s alone, as is normally the case.
‘Recent years have seen an ever closer working relationship between all the different Royal households,’ it said. ‘The Prince of Wales and the entire Royal Family are committed to supporting the Queen.’
With the Duke of Edinburgh having taken a back seat at the age of 96, the Queen is these days said to see Charles as her most trusted adviser.
One observer said: ‘This is a monarchy in transition – poised and ready for a change of management. But when, how and indeed if that happens will depend wholly on the Queen.’