Queen Elizabeth

LONDON — Britain's Conservative government made sweeping promises to cut crime, improve health care and revive the pandemic-scarred economy as it laid out ...

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The monarch had missed the opening of Parliament only twice before, leaving some to wonder if she'll attend celebrations to mark her record 70-year reign in ...

The queen will not be going anywhere while she is still able to do her job." Lately, however, she has been seen using a walking stick, and she's pulled out of several events, citing her mobility issues. She traditionally comes in full royal robes and crown to read a speech before the gathered lawmakers. London — Just weeks away from the U.K. marking her record seven-decade reign, Queen Elizabeth II is missing out on one of her most watched annual appearances due to lingering health issues. Queen Elizabeth II recently celebrated her 96th birthday, and she still appears to be in fine form for a woman of her age. During her 70 years on the throne, Elizabeth has missed it only twice.

Queen Elizabeth II missed the opening of Parliament for the first time in six decades, formally delegating to Prince Charles for first time.

"Yes, we are, in effect, preparing for a transition," he told The Associated Press. "The queen is in her mid-90s. There is a long walk to the House of Lords, stairs to her throne. On both of those occasions, Parliament was opened by a royal commission, with the speech delivered by the presiding member. For the first time in nearly 60 years, the queen was not there in the House of Lords, due to her ongoing problems with walking. Counselors of state are required to act in pairs, so Charles was accompanied by Prince William. "The heir is teetering on the edge of becoming a de facto prince regent.

The queen's decision to delegate her role to Charles is likely to be seen by the public as evidence that a transition is underway, with the 96-year-old monarch ...

There is a long walk to the House of Lords, stairs to the throne, and in past years the need to climb in and out of the carriage. “Yes, we are, in effect, preparing for a transition,” he told The Associated Press. “The queen is in her mid-90s. We are nearing the last years of her reign, and during those last years, if she is no longer capable of putting in public appearances, Prince Charles can deputize on her behalf.” Charles presided over the state opening of Parliament and delivered the Queen’s Speech laying out the government’s legislative program. Her throne had been removed, but in its place the Imperial State Crown sat propped on a pillow. Buckingham Palace didn’t elaborate on what it called “episodic mobility problems,” but the queen has had difficulty moving around in recent months.

The image of Prince Charles and Prince William at the State Opening of Parliament offers a glimpse of the future monarchy, but the Queen is still "in charge ...

While she wasn't able to attend Tuesday's ceremony, the Queen has a busy schedule this week. The Queen has been experiencing mobility issues in recent months and finds it difficult to stand for long periods. No other functions have been delegated by Her Majesty, according to the palace. She is in charge." That's a role of the U.K. government led by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, as it outlines the administration's upcoming legislation. "The sense I get from everyone I speak to is that the Queen remains totally in control of her faculties and of everything at the palace," he adds.

Queen Elizabeth II missed Tuesday´s ceremonial opening of the UK parliament for the first time in nearly 60 years, handing the duty to her heir Prince ...

She also contracted Covid-19 in February. It is the latest in a string of cancelled public appearances caused by health problems and old age indicating her record-breaking 70-year reign is drawing to a close. Queen Elizabeth II missed Tuesday´s ceremonial opening of the UK parliament for the first time in nearly 60 years, handing the duty to her heir Prince Charles in a clear sign of the looming transition of power.