Queen Elizabeth will not attend the opening of parliament on Tuesday amid continuing mobility problems.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement Monday that the decision was made after consultation with her doctors, as she “continues to experience sporadic mobility problems” and that she “reluctantly” decided not to attend.
“At Her Majesty’s request and with the consent of the relevant authorities, the Prince of Wales will read the Queen’s speech on behalf of Her Majesty, with the Duke of Cambridge in attendance,” the palace said in a statement.
This will be only the third time during her reign that 96-year-old Queen Elizabeth has not opened parliament. She had previously missed the opening in 1959, when she was pregnant with Prince Andrew, and in 1963, when she was pregnant with Prince Edward.
The state opening of Parliament is a century-old ceremony marking the beginning of the legislative year. The procession traditionally begins with a bus ride to the House of Parliament, followed by a monarch reading the Queen’s speech, exposing the government’s legislative program to a joint session attended by members of both the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
This will be the first time that Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, will have an official role in the event.
Positive test for COVID-19 in February
The longest-serving British monarch, the Queen last appeared in public during a service at Westminster Abbey to celebrate the life of Prince Philip, her husband of more than 70, who died last year.
She spent much of the last two years at Windsor Castle, west of London, where she took refuge during the pandemic. She continues to work during this period, although most of her tasks are performed virtually, including meetings with ambassadors, health professionals and students.
She tested positive for COVID-19 in February and said she was very tired. She also spent one night in hospital in October due to an unspecified illness.
Add Comment