Young royal blood must wait as Queen Elizabeth II celebrates landmark

Princess Charlotte will be the first to benefit from a new law ending the age-old bias favouring male succession, meaning that she cannot be passed over in favour of any younger male siblings (AFP Photo)

London - Queen Elizabeth II's longevity has helped anchor Britain during an era of unprecedented change, but has also left the royal family an ageing institution.

The 89-year-old queen, who next week surpasses Queen Victoria to become the country's longest-reigning monarch, shows no sign of abdicating, even if she has stepped back a little from public duties in favour of her 66-year-old son and heir Charles.