Queen Elizabeth misses the opening ceremony of the British Parliament due to “mobility issues”

According to Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth II will not attend the opening of the British Parliament on Tuesday due to mobility issues.

“The Queen continues to experience temporary mobility problems and, in consultation with her doctor, has reluctantly decided not to attend the opening ceremony of the British Parliament tomorrow,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Monday.

According to the statement, her son, Prince Charles, will read the Queen’s speech on her behalf. Prince William will also be officially involved for the first time.

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This is the latest public involvement that has been canceled since the 96-year-old monarch was hospitalized for an undisclosed illness last October and was infected with COVID-19 in February. Since then, she has made virtually several appearances and returned to the public for the first time in late March in memory of her late husband, Prince Phillip, who died last year. Queen Elizabeth II is the oldest and longest reigning monarch in the world.

Buckingham Palace did not reveal details of the Queen’s condition, Reuters Sources said it was related to the problem from last year. The decision to cancel the appearance was made on Monday, sources said. She is absent from the ceremony for the third time after she did not attend 1959 and 1963, when she was pregnant with Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, respectively.

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Centuries ago, at the opening ceremony of the British Parliament, we traditionally watched the Queen travel to Parliament as a coach, accompanied by soldiers and other regalia. After that, she wears a national robe and officially sits on the throne to hold a new session of Congress. Her speech usually outlines a government legislative plan.

Her cancellation marks 70 years on the throne, ahead of Queen Platinum Jubilee in June. This includes a four-day celebration in the United Kingdom and events in federal countries around the world, including Canada. Buckingham Palace said last week that Queen Elizabeth would attend most of the major events, but her presence was not confirmed until that day.