The Queen's absence at the State Opening of Parliament on Tuesday marks yet another missed engagement in the monarch's work calendar, leaving some royal fans struggling to remember the last time Her Majesty appeared in public.
- The Queen canceled her attendance at the State Opening Parliament on Tuesday due to 'episodic mobility issues', leaving some fans wondering when the 96-year-old monarch was last seen in public.
- Prince Charles, accompanied by Duchess Camilla and Prince William, delivered Her Majesty's annual speech in her absence.
- In other royal news, Prince Harry's adorable tribute to Lilibet gives fans all the feels as they praise the 'proud papa'.
It's no secret that the Queen has been largely missing from royal engagements lately, having drastically scaled back her workload in recent times due to ongoing health issues.
The 96-year-old has pulled out of numerous high-profile events over the past few months, including her Maundy Thursday service and even a weekly meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Last week, it was confirmed that the Queen will not be attending her summer garden parties at Buckingham Palace in London and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
On Monday, palace officials revealed that the Queen would also be skipping the State Opening of Parliament at the House of Lords in London. Her Majesty has delivered the annual speech on incoming legislation for the past 59 years as part of a royal tradition that dates back to the 16th century. At his mother's request, Prince Charles stepped in, marking his first time ever to read out the address. The Duke of Cambridge and Duchess Camilla were also in attendance. Kate Middleton did not join Prince William for the event, having already committed to another engagement.
Her Majesty's repeated absences haven't gone unnoticed by royal fans, many of whom have raised concerns for the monarch's wellbeing in the run-up to her Platinum Jubilee celebrations next month.
Buckingham Palace's explanation for the Queen's last-minute withdrawal from the State Opening of Parliament—'episodic mobility issues'—has only fuelled anxiety that the great-grandmother won't be able to participate fully in the June celebrations. The Firm has said that it will only confirm Her Majesty's attendance at the event nearer to their dates, sparking speculation that the monarch will be keeping an extremely low profile at her own party.
The Queen has undertaken multiple virtual engagements from Windsor Castle over the past few weeks, but she has not been seen in public since Prince Philip's memorial service on March 29.
The Queen last appeared in public at Prince Philip's memorial service on March 29
Her Majesty was escorted to her seat at Westminster Abbey by Prince Andrew for the solemn affair—a controversial moment that almost wasn't captured on camera, according to royal photographer, Richard Pohle.
It's expected that the Queen's next public appearance will be at the Royal Horse Show, which takes place at Windsor Castle from May 12—15.
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