Queen Elizabeth will "never abdicate."
Close friends of the British monarch - who this weekend celebrates her Diamond Jubilee of 60 years on the throne - say she will never step down from power as she made an oath to God to serve her country for life.
A close friend of the 86-year-old told the Daily Mail newspaper: "The promise she made before God to dedicate her life to her country and to her people all those years ago is one that she takes as seriously today.
"As far as she is concerned, that has been it. And that will be it, for the rest of her life."
Another source added: "Abdication is not a question, I believe, that she would ever consider. There is a very spiritual element to the Queen's life, something from which I know she derives great strength, and her vow is one that she intends to keep."
As the festivities for the Diamond Jubilee begin today (02.06.12), millions of people are expected to take to the streets of cities across the country, waving flags and preparing for a celebrations including concerts, military parades and street parties in honour of the queen.
Many have paid tribute to her ahead of the jubilee, with the Archbishop of Canterbury called her an "exceptional gift".
Prime Minister David Cameron has described her as "brilliant, enduring and resilient" while heir to the throne Prince Charles said simply she was his "wonderful Mama."
Another close friend paid tribute to the Queen's dedication to the country throughout her reign.
They said: "What is so marvellous for us is that she is like a rock in a stormy sea, we know she is there regardless. Everything else around us shakes, but she doesn't.
"Amid all the celebrations this weekend, that is a point we should never forget."
