The Queen will miss the royal garden party season that is due to start next week, Buckingham Palace has announced.
Every summer, up to three garden parties take place at the Palace and at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh - although they have not been held for the past two years due to the pandemic.
Today, it was revealed that the parties would be returning this summer, but the 96-year-old Queen would not be attending any.
Instead other members of the royal family will take her place at the events.
A spokesman said: “Her Majesty the Queen will be represented by other members of the royal family at this year’s garden parties, with details on attendance to be confirmed in due course.”
The parties are due to take place at Buckingham Palace on May 11, May 18 and May 25. The one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse will take place on June 25.
They will celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and those invited are guests who have been deemed to have made a positive contribution to their communities.
The head of state, who has mobility issues, has missed a number of major events this year but has been carrying out virtual engagements and her other duties.
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Courtiers have since suggested the monarch should not be expected at any public events in the future ahead of time and will confirm on the day.
Last week, a Buckingham Palace spokesman said that the Queen is hoping to attend the State Opening of Parliament on May 10, but confirmation will again be made closer to the time or on the day.
The Queen has opened Parliament on all but two occasions during her reign.
The exceptions were in 1959 and 1963, when she was pregnant with Prince Andrew and then Prince Edward, when her speech was read by the Lord Chancellor.
In just under a month’s time, the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend will get under way, celebrating the nation’s longest reigning head of state’s 70 years on the throne.
Festivities include Trooping the Colour, beacon lighting, a service of thanksgiving, the Epsom Derby, a pop concert at Buckingham Palace, and a spectacular Jubilee Pageant on the streets of London.
It has not yet been confirmed how many of the high-profile events the Queen will be able to attend, but is especially keen to attend the Derby it is understood.
