The 96-year-old monarch has pulled out of another apparition, raising new concerns about her health.
The Queen will no longer be attending the Epsom Derby on Saturday, Buckingham Palace has announced.
She will instead watch the horse racing showpiece – which is part of its platinum anniversary celebrations – on TV at Windsor Castle, the palace said in a statement.
It is the for the second time in two days, she has been forced to withdraw from Jubilee events due to ongoing mobility problems.
Until the pandemic, the Queen had only missed Derby Day twice during her reign. The princess Royal is expected to officially represent the Queen, whose unprecedented 70 years on the throne will be celebrated by 40 jockeys who have ridden for the monarch before forming a guard of honor at Saturday’s Derby.
The 96-year-old monarch previously withdrew from Friday’s anniversary service after experiencing “discomfort” at Thursday’s event, where she appeared on the palace balcony with members of the Royal family to greet benefactors.
The Queen has previously spoken about mobility issues and the palace confirmed ahead of the anniversary that the monarch would consider the events she could attend during the four-day celebration.
Stream the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations live on Flash. 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try one month for free. Offer ends on October 31, 2022
Phil White, regional director of The Jockey Club in London, said: “It is rare that the Queen cannot join us at Epsom Downs, but we are delighted that she is planning to see Derby Day on television.
“The Derby is a unique race and we look forward to welcoming thousands of people to help us create a spectacular carnival atmosphere,” Sky News UK reported Mr. White as saying.
At a reception on Friday at the Guildhall in London, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, is said to have told a participant that the Queen is “fine” but found the day “very tiring”. The sun reports.
“We have big plans to celebrate Her Majesty’s contribution to horse racing and the nation, and these will continue in full tomorrow.
Gill Smallwood, from Bolton in northern England, spoke to Kate and asked how the Queen was doing.
“She (Kate) said ‘yes, she was fine, it was just very tiring yesterday, and she (the Queen) had a lovely, lovely time’.”
On Friday, the Queen was due to participate in the national thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral in central London. She is said to have been part of a large contingent including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle who entered from the US.
The Queen’s love of horse racing was mentioned during the packed thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell praised her for “staying on track” and saying she was “still in the saddle” even though she couldn’t attend.
The Queen has deep faith and missing the church service would not have been an easy decision.
Nevertheless, Buckingham Palace said she would not be attending St Paul’s.
“The Queen thoroughly enjoyed today’s birthday parade and fly-pas, but did experience some discomfort,” a statement released Thursday said.
“Considering the travel and activities required to participate in tomorrow’s National Thanksgiving, Her Majesty has reluctantly concluded that she will not be attending.
“The Queen is looking forward to taking part in the beacon lighting event at Windsor Castle tonight and would like to thank everyone who made today such a memorable event.”
On Thursday, the Queen appeared from Buckingham Palace with a walking stick to begin public events for four days to celebrate her historic platinum anniversary. The anniversary marks 70 years of the Queen’s reign.
The 96-year-old was seen using a walking stick as she went out onto the balcony with her cousin, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, 86. She was later joined by the extended family but some big names were left out of the photo including princes Harry and Andrew.
Though her appearance at the event had been questionable after dealing with mobility issues, in recent weeks the monarch has been able to salute mounted troops from the balcony of Buckingham Palace with the help of a walking stick and a health certificate. , under the fluttering royal standard.
Andrew tests positive for Covid
It has emerged Prince Andrew has been hit by Covid and will also miss the church service.
The scandal-ridden prince had already been sidelined at most events.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the Duke of York’s positive result on Thursday.
“After conducting a routine test, the Duke has tested positive for Covid and will regretfully not attend tomorrow’s service,” a palace spokesman said.
Andrew was last seen riding his horse, apparently in good health, near Windsor Castle on Wednesday, according to… Sky News UK†
It is also clear that he has seen the Queen in recent days. That may be a concern, given the full weekend of activities the Queen has planned and her failing health.
The BBC said Andrew was tested regularly and hadn’t seen the Queen since he tested positive.
#Queen #withdraws #anniversary #event