Nearing milestone, Queen Elizabeth shows no sign of stepping aside Published: 10:53 GMT, 19 August 2015 | Updated: 10:53 GMT, 19 August 2015
[size=1.2em]By Michael Holden
[size=1.2em]LONDON, Aug 19 (Reuters) - After 63 years on the throne,Queen Elizabeth next month becomes Britain's longest-rulingmonarch but there is little prospect of her stepping aside, asother ageing European crowned heads have done, in favour of herson, Charles.
[size=1.2em]Those close to Elizabeth - who on Sept. 9 takes thelong-service record from her great-great-grandmother QueenVictoria - say the 89-year-old has no intention of succumbing tothe European fashion for abdication.
[size=1.2em]That means Prince Charles, 66, already a record-holderhimself as Britain's longest-serving heir apparent, will have towait longer still until he becomes king.
[size=1.2em]"I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it belong or short, shall be devoted to your service and the serviceof our great imperial family," Elizabeth said in a 21st birthdaybroadcast to the nation in 1947.
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