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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Matthew Dresch

Frail Queen 'pulls out' of iconic event as Charles set to take her place

The Queen is set to miss the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham due to her increasing frailty, with Prince Charles expected to replace her, it is reported.

It comes after the 96-year-old monarch pulled out of several events in recent months, including her Platinum Jubilee thanksgiving service.

Charles is set to stand in for his mum, who is head of the Commonwealth, at the opening ceremony of the competition in Birmingham on July 28.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will likely attend the games on several days, MailPlus reports, citing senior figures involved with the Games.

Other senior royals, including Prince Edward and Princess Anne, are also scheduled to make appearances, it is claimed.

Buckingham Palace has been approached for comment.

The Queen has been forced to pull out of a series of events in recent months due to 'episodic mobility problems'.

The Queen has pulled out of a string of events in recent months (PA)

Her Majesty could not attend a thanksgiving service held in her honour at St Paul's Cathedral last week after experiencing "discomfort" during her birthday parade.

The monarch made the decision "with great reluctance", officials said.

Speaking after the Queen's birthday parade, a royal source said: “Her Majesty enjoyed today immensely but episodic mobility issues were experienced during the course of the day

“A regrettable but sensible decision based on the journey, length of time involved and the physical demands a service at St Paul’s inevitably involve.

Her Majesty made a balcony appearance after her jubilee pageant last week (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

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“It was always Her Majesty’s hope that she would attend rather than a firm commitment.”

Last year the Queen pulled out of a state visit to Northern Ireland and in October last year was admitted to hospital for her first overnight stay in eight years.

She also missed the Cop26 climate summit, the Festival of Remembrance and the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph.

Last month Prince Charles delivered the Queen's speech on her behalf at the State Opening of Parliament.

The previous two times Her Majesty was not able to attend, in 1959 and 1963, the Lord Chancellor read the Queen's Speech on the monarch's behalf.

A Letters Patent authorised by the Queen was issued to cover the State Opening delegating to Counsellors of State the royal function of opening a new session of Parliament.

In this instance, it enables Charles and William to jointly exercise that function.

The move was interpreted as a significant shift in Charles' responsibilities as a king in waiting.

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