LONDON , Queen Elizabeth II was unable to attend the Remembrance Sunday service at London’s Tower of London because she injured her back. Buckingham Palace stated Sunday.
This service, which is one of the most important on the 95-year old monarch’s calendars, was her first public appearance since taking a few weeks off from work under doctor’s orders.
British media reported that the back strain was not related to recent medical advice to rest, which led to other cancellations.
Officials announced that the Queen had decided to cancel today’s Remembrance Sunday service at Cenotaph because she injured her back. This was just hours before the ceremony. “Her Majesty regrets that she will not be able to attend the service.
After being admitted to London for medical testing, the queen spent last month a night in London. This was her first overnight stay in London since 2008, eight years ago. The palace informed her that doctors had told her to rest for two more weeks and then she would only be able to do light duty.
She cancelled her plans to attend U.N. Climate Summit in Glasgow, Scotland but she sent a video message.
Officials stressed that the queen was still planning to attend the Remembrance Sunday service. Buckingham Palace stated that the monarch would be watching the Cenotaph war monument in central London from her balcony on Thursday. This is the same as for many years.
As an army driver and mechanic in World War II, the queen is now head of Britain’s Armed Forces. Remembrance Sunday is a solemn ceremony that honors fallen servicemen and their sacrifices. It is a day she attaches great significance to. The traditional national service is marked by the wearing and observation of poppies.
Sunday’s ceremony was led by other politicians and royals in London’s Whitehall. Hundreds of veterans and military personnel gathered around the Cenotaph monument. This was the first time that the event was back to normal since the outbreak of the pandemic.
After Royal Marine buglers had sounded “The Last Post”, Prince Charles, 73 laid the first wreath for the queen, as he did every year since 2017. He was followed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other royals.
During her rest, the queen continued to work at home and perform desk-based duties. While she has spent most of her time at Windsor Castle west of London, she did make a weekend trip to Sandringham, the eastern England estate of the royal family.
She also missed the Festival of Remembrance at Royal Albert Hall on Saturday. Officials confirmed that she would miss Tuesday’s opening of the Church of England’s governing General Synod.
Penny Junor is a royal biographer who said that the queen might be entering a new phase in her reign, where she won’t be as visible to the public.
She said, “It’s very disappointing for the queen, as this is the only event in the calendar that she really, really loves to attend.” We’re used to her looking so much younger than she actually is, that we have been fooled into believing she can keep up this pace for all eternity. She clearly can’t.”
Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-living and longest-reigning monarch is set to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee next year — 70 years of being on the throne.
