King Juan Carlos , III , of Spain said he would take the throne and pass the crown to his son . Queen Elizabeth showed no inclination to step down for Prince Charles or Prince William . Arianne Chernock : Historically , British monarchs stay on their throne until they die . Chernock : Queen Victoria , George III 's granddaughter , similarly reigned from 1837 until her death , also at the age of 81 , in 1901 -- despite suffering a host of ailments in later years , including failing eyesight , insomnia and rheumatism . Life is about waiting ; princes might have a long wait .
King Juan Carlos , III , of Spain said he would take the throne and pass the crown to his son . Queen Elizabeth showed no inclination to step down for Prince Charles or Prince William . Arianne Chernock : Historically , British monarchs stay on their throne until they die . Chernock : Life is about waiting ; princes might have a long wait .