Queen to miss the St Paul’s service
THE Queen last night ‘reluctantly’ pulled out of today’s service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral after suffering ‘discomfort’ at yesterday’s celebrations.
She had ‘greatly enjoyed’ her birthday parade and military flypast, a Buckingham Palace spokesman said.
But she experienced ‘some discomfort’ in terms of her mobility – and given the physical challenges involved in taking part in the hourlong service at St Paul’s, had decided to remain at Windsor today. Although her no-show will come as a huge disappointment to millions, there is likely to be widespread understanding.
She pulled out of the State Opening of Parliament last month for similar reasons, handing over her duties to the Prince of Wales.
The 96-year-old monarch has suffered a string of health issues in recent months and openly admitted to having trouble walking.
She has taken to using a walking stick in public and last weekend attended the Chelsea Flower Show using a golf buggy.
In a statement released yesterday, Buckingham Palace said: ‘The Queen greatly enjoyed today’s birthday parade and flypast but did experience some discomfort.
‘Taking into account the journey and activity required to participate in tomorrow’s National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral, Her Majesty with great reluctance has concluded that she will not attend.’ It added: ‘The
‘A regrettable but sensible decision’
Queen... would like to thank all those who made today such a memorable occasion.’
A senior royal source said Her Majesty enjoyed the opening day of festivities ‘immensely’ but the ‘episodic mobility issues’ that she has suffered from since last autumn ‘were experienced during the course of the day’. ‘It’s a regrettable but sensible decision based on the journey... and the physical demands a service at St Paul’s inevitably involves,’ they said.
Earlier this week, the Archbishop of Canterbury pulled out of preaching at the service after being diagnosed with pneumonia and testing positive for Covid. The Most Revd Justin Welby, 66, said he was ‘deeply saddened’ to not be attending the celebration.
Royal aides stressed it had always been the Queen’s ‘hope’ that she would attend St Paul’s, rather than a firm commitment.
The Prince of Wales will stand in for Her Majesty. Officials said the Order of Service would not change but some of the processional details would. Buckingham Palace said it will offer guidance on her attendance at other royal events over the weekend nearer the time – but it is almost certain that her planned appearance at the Epsom Derby tomorrow will be cancelled.
Yesterday it emerged that the Duke of York, who she has been in contact with recently, has tested positive for Covid but sources stressed the two incidents are not linked.
The Palace has recently moved to temper expectations about the Queen’s appearances in public, suggesting they will now be the exception rather than the rule.