Charles stand in for Queen

The Queen did not attend the opening of the United Kingdom’s parliament overnight, amid ongoing mobility issues. Buckingham Palace said the decision was made in consultation with her doctors. Prince Charles read the Queen’s Speech on her behalf, with Prince William also in attendance – the first time William had an official role at the event. It was only the third time during her reign that the 96-year-old Queen had not opened Parliament. She last appeared in public in March, for a service at Westminster Abbey to celebrate the life of her late husband Prince Philip, who died last year.