The Queen will miss the State Opening of Parliament due to episodic mobility problems.
(Picture: Getty Images)The Queen will miss the State Opening of Parliament for the first time in 59 years.
The State Opening of Parliament marks the start of the 2022-2023 year, and the Queen usually makes a speech setting out parliament’s agenda.
She has only previously missed the event on two occasions–in 1959 and in 1963 when she was pregnant with Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, respectively.
This year, Prince Charles will make the speech instead, while Prince William will also be in attendance for the first time.
The State Opening of Parliament is one of a number of events that the Queen has missed in recent months–but where is the Queen and why is she missing the speech?
Why is the Queen missing the State Opening of Parliament?
The Queen, who is 96 years old, will not attend the State Opening today due to ongoing mobility issues that she has been suffering from since autumn.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “The Queen continues to experience episodic mobility problems, and in consultation with her doctors has reluctantly decided that she will not attend the state opening of parliament tomorrow.
“At Her Majesty’s request, and with the agreement of the relevant authorities, the Prince of Wales will read the Queen’s Speech on Her Majesty’s behalf, with The Duke of Cambridge also in attendance.”
What are episodic mobility problems?
Episodic mobility problems mean that the Queen has been suffering with her mobility on occasions.
She was seen using a walking stick for the first time in October 2021, at a Westminster Abbey service.
When she attended Prince Philip’s memorial service in March 2022, she entered via Poets’ Corner, which is a shorter route, to make her more comfortable. She was escorted by her son, Prince Andrew.
Buckingham Palace has said that she will miss the royal garden party season due to how long they last and how long the Queen would have to spend standing to greet guests.
