Instead, the Queen has had to step up, along with the Princess Royal, who remains at the top of the table in terms of the number of engagements she carries out every year. Though even Anne has been forced to admit that the current regime is struggling, saying in a documentary last year: “I think ‘slimmed down’ was said in a day when there were a few more people around. It doesn’t sound like a good idea from where I’m standing, I would say. I’m not quite sure what else we can do.” It’s likely we can expect to see other members of the Firm fill the gaps, including the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Gloucester, who has been supporting the Queen at public events while the King focuses on his health. “The royal family may take this unprecedented time to reflect on what a slimmed down monarchy looks like, and how to best utilise the King’s relatives to support the monarchy,” says Ross. “We may see different members step up, such as Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie or Lady Louise, to carry out charitable and diplomatic duties.”