Queen Elizabeth is rumored to be passing down her crown to her grandson Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton skipping over her own son, Prince Charles.

The Queen believes this younger generation is vital for the House of Windsor to thrive in the future. A palace insider said,

“Her Majesty realized that William and Kate are the future. She has spent 65 years making sure that the House of Windsor survives, and she sees William and Kate as having the energy and star quality to do the job in a modern world. Queen Elizabeth will always do what is best for the long-term health of the monarchy.”

The Queen has also said that she truly does not believe the monarchy has the “respect and power it once had.”

The source said,

“In her eyes, William and Kate are the two people who can turn that around.”

This decision has not surprisingly caused a rift between William and his father Charles. According to the same insider, their relationship has been strained.

Stiff upper lip, Charles! (Sorry, Camilla.)

(Photos, Official Royal Portraits; via Yahoo)