Health concerns for Queen after new announcement

Queen Elizabeth has pulled out of the 2022 State Opening of Parliament, citing mobility problems

It’s the first time since 1963 the monarch will miss the occasion, which is a commemorative day used to set out the government’s legislative plans for the year ahead.

Prince Charles is set to take his mother’s place, and will deliver a speech on Tuesday for the Queen.

Buckingham Palace had been hopeful Elizabeth would attend, with this cancellation the latest in a number of other events she has had to step back from due to health issues recently.

In a statement, the palace says the Queen has reluctantly decided not to attend the State Opening after extensive consultation with her doctors.

During her 70 years on the throne, Elizabeth has only missed two State Openings, when she was pregnant in both 1959 and 1963.

While the Lord Chancellor stepped in on those occasions, this year it will be the Prince of Wales.

At the event, the Queen’s throne will remain empty with with Charles, Camilla and Prince William seated in front of the parliamentarians.