When you’re in the position that Queen Elizabeth has held for decades, you should expect a bit of stress from time to time, and that’s exactly what the head monarch has had to deal with in 2019.

The Queen, 93, used to pressure, but “it has been one of the most challenging years,” says an insider. “Prince Charles worries about her and has been checking in daily. He’s been her tower of strength.” The Queen has kept up a busy schedule on Nov. 21. She led a knighthood ceremony, met with her son Prince Andrew and spent time with her husband, Prince Philip, but it was hardly business as usual. Weeks before Christmas, the 93-year-old is coping with the worst personal crisis she’s known during her longtime reign. Andrew, 59, has been disgraced and forced to give up public duty, while a rift between her grandsons Prince William, 37, and Prince Harry, 35, is growing wider.

Queen Elizabeth
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She’s also heartbroken over the declining health of her 98-year-old husband. “Prince Philip is in bad shape,” a source confides. “Members of the royal family don’t expect him to make it till the end of the year.” However, there has been more on the Queen’s plate.

The Queen also feels disappointed by Harry’s decision to skip Christmas with the royal family this year, but she’s trying to make the best of it. “The queen is a strong woman and doesn’t buckle under pressure,” the insider adds. “Charles and the rest of the family are rallying to make this holiday extra special despite her many heartaches.” One thing that will for sure lift her spirits is being able to see her grandkids.

Queen Elizabeth
Shutterstock

“The Queen can’t wait to see her beloved great-grandchildren on Christmas Day,” a source exclusively told Closer Weekly. “It’s been a tough year, but being around the kids always makes her smile!” The holiday season will also be made better because the Queen will be serving all the royals a “traditional lunch” including “turkey, roast and mash potato, brussels sprouts and parsnips,” the insider added.

While it has been an up and down year for the Queen, we certainly hope it ends on a good note!

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