The Queen is handing over patronages but don't expect an abdication mirror.co.uk

The Queen is as committed to her role as Sovereign as ever – she just needs a bit more help from her family.

The announcement by Buckingham Palace that The Queen is handing over some of her patronages is the latest in a trickle of small-scale decisions that paint a bigger picture.

Presented by itself, it is easy to talk down the significance – around 5% of her many patronages to be passed on to younger royals.