Prince Charles

Prince Charles

Britain's Prince Charles is being handed increasing responsibility over the Sandringham estate.

The move forms part of the "gentle succession" from his mother and will see the future King assume control of livestock, fruit farms and property, as well as a country park.

A source told the Mail on Sunday newspaper: "We understand Prince Philip has handed the management over to his son.

"Charles is now taking a very close interest in the estate and its running. He has excellent ideas and we are expecting to see different things happening. Estate workers say they expect to see more of the Prince in the coming months as he implements changes, such as more organic farming."

Although officials at Buckingham Palace have declined to comment on the story, it's been suggested that Prince Charles will also assume more of the Queen's day-to-day duties as he prepares himself to assume the thrown one day.

As part of this, Charles will go on more overseas visits, with the Queen looking to reduce her travel time.

Meanwhile, it's been confirmed that the Queen's annual address to the nation on Christmas Day was the most watched show on British TV, with an audience of 7.8 million people.