This story was originally posted on 04/27/22, titled: The Palace Just Announced That The Queen Will Take A ‘Private Break’ Amid A String Of Missed Public Appearances
A senior Buckingham Palace spokesperson has just revealed that Queen Elizabeth II “has traveled to the Sandringham estate for a private break” following a string of missed public appearances due to her ongoing health issues, some of which are believed to be as a result of her recent battle with COVID-19.
Her Majesty was noticeably absent from the Easter Matins Service at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Sunday, April 17th, leaving things in the capable hands of grandson Prince William, his wife Kate Middleton, and their two oldest children, eight-year-old Prince George and six-year-old Princess Charlotte. No official reason for The Queen’s absence was given, although it’s been assumed that her ongoing health and mobility issues were the main reason.
The Easter Sunday service was the latest in a long line of missed public appearances, as Her Majesty also missed the Royal Maundy Service at St. George's Chapel for the first time since 1970 just a few days earlier. And on March 14th, The Queen was also absent from the Commonwealth Day Service, although it's more likely that she didn’t attend due to COVID reasons, having tested positive for the virus at the end of February. The Queen was also very regretful about missing the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph back in November, which was reportedly due to a back sprain.
The service of Thanksgiving for her late husband Prince Philip, which was held on March 29th, was Her Majesty's first public appearance in five months, having only held virtual meetings and public receptions since October 2021. Perhaps people shouldn’t be too worried about the 96-year-old monarch's health too much, as grandson Prince Harry told Hoda Kotb in his controversial interview that his grandmother was doing "great." The Queen could also just be taking things easy while she can, as she has a busy few months ahead of her as the country celebrates her history-making Platinum Jubilee.
This story was updated on 05/07/22, titled: The Queen Resumes Virtual-Only Events After A String Of Missed Public Appearances
The Queen's "private break" at her Sandringham estate now appears to be over, as the monarch has reportedly returned to Windsor Castle and resumed some of her royal duties; although she is taking things slowly for now and only having virtual appearances. She reportedly flew back to the Berkshire castle by helicopter on Wednesday, April 27th just in time for her first official engagement following her break.
On Friday, April 29th, Her Majesty conducted virtual audiences from the Oak Room at Windsor Castle, and appeared to be in good spirits as her guests appeared before her in Buckingham Palace via video link. Some of the guests The Queen greeted included Dr. Emmanuel Mallia, High Commissioner for the Republic of Malta, and his wife Elena Codruta, as well as Johnston Busingye, High Commissioner for the Republic of Rwanda, and his wife Phoebe Murerwa. It has also been noted that The Queen looked the picture of health, and was even standing without the aid of her walking stick, which she has come to rely on quite frequently over the past few months.
This story was updated on 05/13/22 with the information below:
The Queen still intends to stick to virtual appearances for the foreseeable future, which is why it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise to learn that she "reluctantly" missed the State Opening of parliament on Tuesday, May 10th. Her absence marks the first time she has missed the occasion since 1963, which she missed because she was pregnant with Prince Edward. The Queen's speech in 1963 was read by the Lord Chancellor – and this year, it was read by her eldest son, Prince Charles! (We must point out that The Queen's throne in the House of Lords remained empty, and the Prince of Wales and his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, sat in their own seats.)
Buckingham Palace confirmed Her Majesty's absence the day before in a statement which read: "The Queen continues to experience episodic mobility problems, and in consultation with her doctors has reluctantly decided that she will not attend the state opening of parliament tomorrow. At Her Majesty’s request, and with the agreement of the relevant authorities, the Prince of Wales will read the Queen’s Speech on Her Majesty’s behalf, with The Duke of Cambridge also in attendance." (It's the first time Prince William has attended the event too, FYI!)
Her Majesty's choice was respected by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who issued his own statement via an official No 10 spokesperson. "The Prime Minister fully respects the wishes of Her Majesty and is grateful to the Prince of Wales for agreeing to deliver the speech on her behalf," the spokesperson said.
