Queen Elizabeth II will not retire

Queen Elizabeth II will stay on the throne until death, her cousin has said, ruling out any chance of an abdication or retirement.

Lady Margaret Rhodes, who is a cousin of the Queen was talking to the BBC and said that the Queen’s vows at her coronation to reign for the rest of her life were important.

"She wouldn't consider not continuing to fulfil those vows until she dies," Lady Margaret said.

Queen Elizabeth II, according to her cousin, Lady Margaret, has blossomed in recent years. "I think in a funny way, perhaps, the death of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother had quite a huge effect on the Queen.

"Not only of sadness, but in a way that she could come into her own as the head of the family and as the most senior royal lady".

"The Queen will continue to do as much as she can, as she always has done, until she drops."