Queen absent

The Queen will not attend the opening of Parliament today for the first time in nearly 60 years, as she struggles with mobility difficulties. Buckingham Palace said yesterday that the decision was made in consultation with her doctors. Prince Charles will read her speech, while for the first time her grandson Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, will have an official role in the event. It will mark only the third time Elizabeth has not opened Parliament. She previously missed the opening in 1959, when she was pregnant with Prince Andrew, and 1963, when she was pregnant with Prince Edward.