QUEEN’S INCREASING FRAILTY

The memorial was Her Majesty’s first inperson public engagement in nearly six months. Her increasing frailty has seen her opt for virtual and private visits and she aroused concern when she pulled out of the Commonwealth Service last month. But according to insiders it was more of a precaution as she’d contracted Covid, albeit mildly, in February.

Despite using a walking stick earlier on during Prince Philip’s memorial service, she stood unattended by her seat in the front row. To aid her declining mobility, the queen has turned to a high-tech golf buggy to get her around at Windsor Castle.

The four-seater vehicle, made by Danish brand Garia and costing a whopping £62 000 (about R1,18 million), is considered the RollsRoyce of golf carts and can reach a speed of around 72km/hour.

“She’s battled stiffness in her legs recently so the cart is perfect,” a palace source says. The queen is said to be dead set against using a wheelchair as she’s haunted by the sight of her late sister, Princess Margaret, in a wheelchair in the months leading up to her death in 2002.

“It’s hoped the cart will help Her Majesty keep up with her engagements for as long as possible,” another source told the Sun. “Her mind is still razor sharp and she wants to do as much as she can for as long as she can.”

The queen will retire from all public roles only if she becomes extremely unwell, a royal aide says. “She will then hand over power and leadership of the monarchy to her successor as part of what is termed a regency.

“In this situation Prince Charles would be known as Prince Regent rather than king. She is queen for life and he will only become king after her passing.”