AceShowbiz - Queen Elizabeth II is reportedly ready to relinquish the throne of the United Kingdom. The 93-year-old royal is said to be considering the idea of retiring soon and handing over her duties to her son Prince Charles.

According to royal correspondent Robert Jobson, a former senior member of the Royal Household, the Queen is giving serious thought to stepping down from her royal duties when she turns 95 years old in 18 months. Jobson tells U.K.'s Express, "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 reign to Charles."

In recent years, the Queen has gradually cut back her official duties, with Charles stepping in and taking more responsibilities. The Prince of Wales has reportedly also played a prominent part in dealing with the fallout of Prince Andrew's BBC interview, during which he addressed his relationship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

"The scandal surrounding Andrew and Epstein gave Charles an opportunity to step in to show that he can run The Firm. No one is bigger than the institution of the Royal Family. Not even Andrew, the Queen's favorite son," a source tells The Sun. "Charles recognized that and acted decisively - like the king he may well soon be. This was the moment when Charles stepped up as Prince Regent, the Shadow King."

The Duke of York announced he stepped down from his royal duties last week in light of his now infamous interview with Emiliy Maitlis. He's also forced to move his private office out of Buckingham Palace.

Words are Charles wants Andrew to "permanently retire" from his royal role. Charles' eldest son, Prince William, was reported to be also involved in the decision to sack his uncle. The second in line to the throne reportedly insisted that getting Andrew to withdraw from public duties was "the right thing to do."