For the first time in about 60 years, Queen Elizabeth II missed the ceremonial opening of Parliament, handing the responsibility over to her heir, Prince Charles.
The 96-year-old monarch usually sits on a gilded throne in the House of Lords and reads out her government’s legislative program during the pompous event.
However, Buckingham Palace announced late Monday that she would not attend this year’s annual showpiece due to “episodic mobility issues.”
After a long string of cancellations due to health issues and old age, her record-breaking 70-year reign appears to be nearing an end.
Prince William, the Prince of Wales’s eldest son and heir apparent, accompanied his father on the high-profile state engagement.
The Duke of Cambridge, William, was escorted through parliament in a morning suit and military medals.
Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, arrived at Westminster Palace in a car, with the Duke in full military regalia waving to onlookers.
“God Save the Queen” sounded as he arrived at parliament, and as he exited the vehicle, a royal trumpet fanfare sounded.
On a cushion in the House of Lords, an imperial state crown – the crown worn by the queen – was carried in and then placed on a small table by the royal procession.
With his wife and son by his side, Charles read out the Queen’s Speech from the consort’s throne, which is one inch shorter than the monarch’s sovereign throne.
Since spending an unplanned night in the hospital in October, the queen has been unable to stand or walk and has not appeared in public since. In February, she was also diagnosed with Covid-19.
When she was pregnant with Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, she only missed two state openings: in 1959 and 1963.
Fears that she might not be able to participate fully in public celebrations next month to mark her Platinum Jubilee were heightened by her decision.
There’s no doubt that Queen Elizabeth II is still very much in charge despite her handover, according to royal expert Robert Hardman, who wrote about it in the Daily Mail.
There has been only one public appearance by Queen Elizabeth II since last October — at the March 29 memorial service for her late husband Prince Philip, who died last year at the age of 99. The queen announced last week that she would not be attending any of this summer’s royal garden parties.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will attempt to resuscitate his faltering government by unveiling his plans for the upcoming year during the first parliamentary session of the new year.
Downing Street says he is promising 38 bills to get his agenda “back on track” after a series of scandals and poor results for his ruling Conservatives in local elections last week.
