The Queen plans to scale back her public duties and give Prince Charles a bigger role as ‘co-head’ of the royal family, well-placed sources have revealed. Buckingham Palace and  senior figures in Whitehall  began discussing how to deal with the monarch’s advancing years several months ago, the Mail understands. They concluded that her 64-year-old son – the longest-serving heir apparent in British history – should take a more prominent position representing the sovereign at key events, particularly those abroad. Scroll down for video Handing over the reigns: The Queen is reportedly planning to scale back her public duties and give Prince Charles a bigger role as ‘co-head’ of the royal family
@highlight
Buckingham Palace reviewing the Queen's long-haul travel commitments
@highlight
Prince of Wales is to perform one of his most significant duties to date
@highlight
He has never attended in place of the monarch at the bi-annual gathering
@highlight
Charles and Camilla will also attend State Opening of Parliament together
Royal aides denied that Her Majesty¿s recent ill-health is behind the decision to increase the @placeholder's role