The Imperial State Crown is removed at the end of the Queen’s Speech in the House of Lords Chamber
(Picture: AP)History was made as Prince Charles stepped in to deliver the Queen’s Speech. It’s the first time the monarch has missed the opening of Parliament since 1963, when she was pregnant with Charles’ brother, Edward.
The Queen’s main throne was removed from the House of Lords Chamber, while the Imperial State Crown went unworn as it travelled to Parliament. It was obvious where the monarch should normally have been, but due to “episodic mobility problems”, doctors’ orders were followed on the eve of the occasion.
It seems she may be saving herself up for the Platinum Jubilee events, but even then her appearances are expected to be limited and late decisions will be made.
In her absence, Prince Charles has taken on even greater responsibilities, having already played a more active role following his father Prince Philip’s retirement from public duties in 2016.
It’s starting to feel like every scheduled appearance is to be preceded by a late fitness test and announcement of whether the 96-year-old is up to it. The repeated babel of ‘will she/won’t she’ doesn’t seem to serve anyone in this situation, especially when she has an able successor who has been 73 years in the making.
But traditions are traditions, uniquely so in the royals’ case, and there is only one person who will have the final say on whether she should or shouldn’t be doing less as head of state. For now, her throne may sit empty until she’s able to take her seat once more.
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