Queen Elizabeth Experiencing 'Episodic Mobility Problems,' Will Not Attend the Opening of Parliament
Queen Elizabeth won't be present at this year's Opening of Parliament. In a statement to ET on Monday, Buckingham Palace announced that the 96-year-old monarch won't attend Tuesday's event due to «episodic mobility problems.»«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,» the statement read. «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,» the statement added, referring to the queen's son, Prince Charles, and grandson, Prince William, respectively.The statement from Buckingham Palace came after ET learned that the queen has canceled a number of events recently and has been conducting virtual audiences, ahead of her Platinum Jubilee festivities this summer, which will celebrate her 70 years on the throne. ET also learned that the queen won't attend every upcoming Platinum Jubilee event, because the Palace is pacing her now that she is 96. A family source told ET that the queen has been «having mobility issues and as a result her diary has been scaled back.» The source added that it’s hoped the queen can participate in many of the meaningful moments that have special significance during the June festivities, which will include four days of events.The celebrations will begin on June 2 with a birthday parade. According to a press release, the Trooping the Colour will feature the 1st Battalion, Irish Guards and more than 1200 officers and soldiers as well as hundreds of Army musicians and about 240 horses.