Queen Elizabeth was forced to pull out of her own Platinum Jubilee thanksgiving service on Friday, leading to concerns for the 96-year-old monarch’s health.
Royal supporters gather outside St Paul's Cathedral for the National Service of Thanksgiving as part of celebrations marking the #PlatinumJubilee of Queen Elizabeth. The 96-year-old monarch herself will miss the service due to ongoing mobility issues https://t.co/zKyZM51NKd pic.twitter.com/VxRaXo22mf
— Reuters (@Reuters) June 3, 2022
Queen Pulls Out Of Thanksgiving Service
All of the United Kingdom is currently celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, which is meant to mark her record-breaking 70 years on the British throne. However, Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday night that the Queen would be pulling out of Friday’s events after experiencing “discomfort” during the parade that was held in her honor.
“The Queen greatly enjoyed today’s Birthday Parade and Flypast but did experience some discomfort,” the palace said, according to Daily Mail. “Taking into account the journey and activity required participate in tomorrow’s National Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Her Majesty with great reluctance has concluded that she will not attend.”
“The Queen is looking forward to participating in tonight’s Beacon lighting event at Windsor Castle and would like to thank all those who made today such a memorable occasion,” the palace added.
Related: Queen Bans Meghan And Harry From Buckingham Palace Balcony
Queen Suffering From ‘Episodic’ Mobility Issues
This comes after the Queen canceled various other events in recent months, most recently missing the State Opening of Parliament. Royal aides have been trying to cover for the Queen as of late, claiming that despite “episodic” mobility issues, she remains in good spirits.
Celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee are scheduled to run through Sunday, culminating in a special Pageant celebrating her life.
Queen Elizabeth will miss the second day of her Platinum Jubilee due to ongoing mobility issues.
Buckingham Palace says the queen greatly enjoyed yesterday's Birthday Parade and Flypast but did experience some discomfort. #MorningLive #SABCNews pic.twitter.com/6Mq6eW1H8y— SABCNews_MorningLive (@MorningLiveSABC) June 3, 2022
‘The Problem Is Physical Mobility’
Rumors are swirling that while the Queen remains mentally sound, her physical problems are starting to mount.
“The sense I get from everyone I speak to is that the Queen remains totally in control of her faculties and of everything at the palace,” royal biographer Robert Lacey told People Magazine. “The problem is physical mobility — and that is not a constitutional or regency issue. She is in charge.”
Lacey went on to say that though she can still walk, the Queen fears that she may stumble, “and the symbolism of her doing that is so enormous that she would not want to put herself in that situation.”
Related: Here’s Why Queen Elizabeth Was Impressed By Kate Middleton
The Queen previously gave insight into her battle with COVID-19 earlier this year, saying that “it does leave one feeling very tired and exhausted.” On top of that, she’s had to deal with various royal scandals involving her son Prince Andrew and her grandson Prince Harry.
Queen Elizabeth is the longest-reigning monarch in all of British history, and she deserves the right to celebrate that as much as possible this weekend. We will continue to pray for her good health, and we hope that she is able to bounce back quickly for the rest of her Platinum Jubilee events.