Prince Charles could reportedly become Prince Regent.
Royal Household staff are said to have "dusted off" the historical 'Regency Act' - which would make the 65-year-old royal the acting monarch should Queen Elizabeth II, 88, become incapable of performing her duties as her landmark 90th birthday approaches.
A source told Saga Magazine: "Yes, we have dusted off the Regency Act and taken a look at it."
However, the Queen has made it clear she considers her sovereignty a life-long job and has taken measures in recent years to cut back and adapt her duties for her age, including placing a limit on her long-haul travel.
Prince Charles has subsequently increased his royal duties prompting Buckingham palace to deny reports that there were plans to enforce the act after it was announced he would replace his mother at the Commonwealth summit in Sri Lanka in May last year.
A source for the palace has denied the rumours once again, saying: "I'm not aware of anyone looking at this in any great detail."
The last regency in Britain took place in 1811 when George IV was given his father, King George V's powers after he was struck down by mental illness.
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