I'm just watching tv and... rain, bad weather in London - maybe it is a sign? :)

No - just that we had Summer last week!

My opinion is that a conscious choice to give Charles the crown now is preferable to making the transition at the time of the queen's passing from this life.

One of the big strengths of the UK Monarchy is consistency, governments and personalities may come and go, but the current Monarch has been going for 60 years. So it might well be that Prince Charles will elect to pass over his succession in favour of one of his sons. Also the family seem to enjoy excellent health - possibly because of their use of homoeopathy - Prince Phillip is looking particularly chipper for a chap in his 90's. Which means we may have to wait another decade plus for any significant changes in 'The Firm' (as they like to call themselves)

Unless, of course, anything dramatic happens at the re-dedication service on Tuesday. Like the Queen saying "On second thoughts I'll pass- give the crown to Harry or William"

You've probably hit it on the mark, Francine!

The Queen will not abdicate. For her it is a duty and an act of faith, not a job that one can resign from.

Might the crown skip Charles then?

There have been suggestions, but in the BBC coverage one of the experts emphasised the line of succession which makes Charles next. But then again one of the key things about the monarchy is that it is apolitical and he might have difficulty in moving from his environmental/holistic lifestyle activist stance to a more over-reaching style more in keeping with the current style of the modern monarchy.

NO.

For that to happen he'd have to abdicate, and that will not happen.