Lean on me... Queen uses a walking stick
THE Queen has used a walking stick at a major public event for the first time – and it is likely she will do so again, the Daily Mail understands.
The 9 -year-old monarch used the aid as she attended a service at Westminster Abbey yesterday in her role as patron of the Royal British Legion.
She notably took a shorter route to her seat than normal and used the adjustable walking stick again as she left, but appeared to be moving freely. While the sovereign will not use a walking stick on every public occasion, insiders concede that it is likely she will use it on an increasing basis.
A Palace source said the move had been made for the Queen’s ‘comfort’ and was not for a specific medical reason.
Yesterday was the first time that the elderly monarch has made such a visible public concession for her advancing years.
In 2004 she was pictured using a stick after leaving King Edward VII’s Hospital where she had surgery to remove torn cartilage from her right knee. She was also seen using the aid at low-key events in the following weeks.
The Queen, who will celebrate her Platinum Jubilee next year, yesterday appeared to be the same old telescopic outdoor walking stick she last used.
But experts said that this probably wouldn’t be suitable on a longterm basis.
Paul Simmonds, the owner of London-based business WalkingSticks.co.uk, said: ‘It’s rather more of an outdoors sports stick than a traditional walking stick. It has an unusual grip but appears to be a comfortable companion.’
Christine Naysmith, director at The Stick and Cane Shop in West Lothian, said: ‘She shouldn’t really be using this type of walking stick in the first place.
‘The mechanism inside which holds the telescope sections in place, is not suitable for use as a mobility aid. If you were to lean heavily on it, it would slowly sink into itself.’
The Queen, who was accompanied by Princess Anne, wore a royal blue coat with a matching hat and diamond, sapphire and pearl jewellery, and beamed as she was handed a bouquet of flowers by children.
‘Visible public concession’