Queen Elizabeth will miss U.K.’s opening of Parliament due to ‘mobility problems’

Queen Elizabeth II will not attend the opening of Britain's parliament on Tuesday, according to Buckingham Palace. Prince Charles, her son, will be in her place.

Queen Elizabeth II will not attend the opening of Britain’s Parliament on Tuesday due to mobility issues, according to Buckingham Palace.

“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,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

Prince Charles, her son, will read the Queen’s speech in her place after she “reluctantly” decided not to attend, according to the statement. Prince William will also be in attendance.

It is the latest public engagement the 96-year-old monarch has cancelled since hospitalized last October for an undisclosed illness and having contracted COVID-19 in February. She had made some appearances virtually since then and began to appear in person in late March.

Her cancellation comes ahead of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June to mark 70 years on the throne, which will feature four days of celebrations in Britain as well as events in Commonwealth countries around the world, including Canada. Queen Elizabeth II is the world’s oldest and longest-reigning monarch.

— with files from Reuters