Fears for Queen’s health surge as ‘traditional’ Balmoral welcome ceremony is axed for her ‘comfort’

The Queen has canceled her welcome reception at Balmoral Castle amid ongoing speculation over the monarch's health issues

Fears for Queen’s health as Balmoral ceremony axed for her ‘comfort’
(Image credit: Getty)

Fears for the Queen's health have sparked once again following the cancellation of her 'traditional' Balmoral Castle welcome ceremony. 


The Queen's welcome ceremony at Balmoral Castle was canceled yesterday to accommodate the 96-year-old's 'comfort', according to a royal insider. 

Her Majesty was expected to attend a reception to kick off her summer break at the Scottish residence on Monday, as part of an age-old tradition that is 'normally cemented' in her busy calendar. 

For the past several decades, the monarch has stayed at the grandiose Balmoral Estate in Aberdeenshire from the end of July to the beginning of September. She is normally greeted at the $140m property's gates by a Guard of Honor and hundreds of fans, many of whom have traveled long distances for a glimpse at the royal matriarch in person. 

Balmoral

The Queen inspects troops at her welcome ceremony to Balmoral Castle in 2021 

(Image credit: Getty)

This summer's reception, however, has been replaced by a 'small, private ceremony' that will be closed off to the public. It's understood that the decision was made at the last minute, amid ongoing concerns for the Queen's physical health as she comes to the end of her Platinum Jubilee year. Her Majesty will still inspect her loyal troops, but no photographers or tourists will be admitted entry to witness the ritual. 

The news comes shortly after it was revealed that the Queen has had a wheelchair-friendly lift fitted at Balmoral's cottage, Craigowan Lodge, to help with her increasing mobility needs. 

"The traditional welcome to Balmoral is normally cemented in the Queen's calendar and something Her Majesty really enjoys, being able to greet locals who travel to see her," a royal source told the Mirror. 

Balmoral

(Image credit: Getty)

"It's a bitter disappointment the ceremony will not take place in its traditional form." 

Buckingham Palace has since explained that the cancellation is "in line with adapting Her Majesty's schedule for her comfort." 

Last year, the Queen arrived at Balmoral Castle to a warm reception of soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland and even an adorable Shetland pony. The trip marked Her Majesty's first summer break at the Scottish residence without Prince Philip, who died aged 99 at Windsor Castle the previous April. 

Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.


Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.