How the Queen's health deteriorated after the death of 'her rock' Prince Philip
ABERDEENSHIRE, SCOTLAND: Concerns have been raised about Queen Elizabeth's health ever since Buckingham Palace revealed on Thursday, September 8, that the monarch had been put under medical supervision. After doctors became worried about her health on Thursday morning, her family made their way to Balmoral to be with her. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who were scheduled to attend a London event, have also traveled to Balmoral to be with the 96-year-old.
The Queen is regarded as the second-longest reigning sovereign monarch in history and is the oldest and longest-serving head of state currently in office. She is also the longest-living and longest-reigning British monarch. Since the death of her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, on April 9, 2021, the 96-year-old has seen her health deteriorate. Due to mobility issues, she was compelled to skip several important occasions, including many in her Platinum Jubilee celebrations, where she chose to participate virtually or send senior royals in her place.
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A statement from Buckingham Palace:https://t.co/2x2oD289nL
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022
Since last autumn, the Queen has experienced ongoing "episodic mobility problems," and she now uses a walking stick. The monarch used the stick at a Westminster Abbey service in October 2021, six months after her husband's death. It was the first time she had done so at a significant public event.
'Queen hospitalized in 2021'
On the afternoon of October 20, 2021, the Queen, who was 95 at the time, was admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital to undergo "preliminary investigations." She was discharged the following day, "accepted medical advice to rest for the next few days," and was reported to be in "good spirits" while performing light duties at her Windsor desk.
'Queen's health concerns raised in November 2021'
When the Queen canceled more well-known engagements in November 2021, concerns were raised about her health. These included the Festival of Remembrance on November 12 and the Cop26 climate change summit in Glasgow on November 1. According to Buckingham Palace, the monarch had been advised bed rest and to refrain from making any official visits. She was determined to make it to the Cenotaph for the Remembrance Sunday service on November 13, but she was unable to do so because of a strained back.
'Queen tested Covid positive in February 2022'
On February 20, 2022, she tested positive for Covid, raising concerns for her health. The Queen, who had received three vaccinations by that point, experienced mild cold-like symptoms but claimed the virus had left her feeling "very tired and exhausted." While she was in seclusion at Windsor, she continued with minor responsibilities but canceled some virtual audiences.
'Queen experienced discomfort in platinum jubilee celebrations'
The Queen skipped a celebration at St Paul's Cathedral on June 3, a day after thrilling crowds on the opening day of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations. This was a result of experiencing "discomfort" during the festivities the day before. She continued to skip numerous other Platinum Jubilee celebrations, showing up only twice in public, as reported by The Guardian.
'Queen was absent from Braemar Gathering on September 2022'
The Queen's traditional guard of honor welcome to Balmoral Castle on August 8 reportedly took place behind closed doors. According to a source, this was consistent with how events were altered for the monarch's convenience. Just last week, on September 3, the Queen was absent from the popular Highland Games event known as the Braemar Gathering. It is clear that the choice was made to ensure the monarch's comfort.
Queen postpones Privy Council meeting on September 7
The royal doctors advised the Queen to rest, so she postponed her Privy Council meeting.
Queen under medical observation on September 8
Buckingham Palace announced that the Queen was receiving medical attention at Balmoral, with royal doctors expressing concern for her health. Since her husband's death, the Queen has found it difficult to perform many of her personal duties and as a result she has had to cancel events or make appearances via video calls due to mobility issues. In March 2022, a significant day in the royal calendar, she canceled her attendance at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey. On April 14, she skipped the Maundy Thursday service.
She nevertheless managed to get up and walk slowly and carefully while using a stick and holding onto the Duke of York's elbow for support to pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh on March 29 at a memorial service. For the first time in nearly 60 years, she was absent from the State Opening of Parliament on May 20, and Buckingham Palace attributed her absence to "episodic mobility problems." Charles read the Queen's Speech for the first time in history as the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge opened parliament on her behalf as Counsellors of State.