Britain's Queen heads for age-sensitive schedule

London: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is set to have a more manageable schedule in line with her age in the coming months.

She will become the longest-reigning British monarch on September 9, surpassing Queen Victoria's 63 years and seven months.

As the Queen turned 89 last month, plans are being drawn up to reduce her workload as Head of State in the lead up to her 90th birthday in April 2016.

"The general feeling is 90 will be a game-changer for her in terms of what can be expected of a monarch at that age. There are people within the household looking at how to soften the Queen's programme. So shorter visits, less stairs, less flashbulbs in her face ? calmer and less frenetic activity on engagements," 'The Sunday Times' quoted a source as saying.

Next month, she will be joined by husband Prince Philip on a three-day visit to Germany, which is widely expected as among her last official foreign visits.

"I wouldn't say definitively that there will be another state visit after Germany. There will certainly be no more long-haul travel. That is where other members of the family will step in. There is only so much that can be asked of a monarch at 90," the source added.

The Queen carried out 375 official engagements in the UK last year, as well as 18 overseas engagements.

While there is no suggestion that she is in ill health, there are signs that she is finding some aspects of her official life challenging.

Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, will be stepping in for her at many of the events as well as his son Prince William.