The Queen’s aides are facing growing criticism for keeping her recent hospital stay a secret. A scathing attack launched by a BBC royal correspondent is questioning if Buckingham Palace could be trusted.
Discover our latest podcast
Cover-up
Queen Elizabeth II spent Wednesday night at the King Edward VII in London and had some tests run on her. 24 hours earlier, the Palace had informed journalists, the Queen was advised to rest and remain at Windsor Castle.
A scheduled trip to Northern Ireland was cancelled at the last hour.
BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell said the media and the British people were being misled on the health of the 95-year-old monarch.
The problem, it seems to me, is that rumour and misinformation always thrive in the absence of proper, accurate and trustworthy information.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said late on Thursday night:
Following medical advice to rest for a few days, the Queen attended hospital on Wednesday afternoon for some preliminary investigations, returning to Windsor Castle at lunchtime today, and remains in good spirits.
Back to Work
It is thought the Palace kept the hospital visit under wraps because the Queen was due to stay in hospital for only a short period. There was also the consideration for her medical privacy.
However, royal commentator and former BBC journalist Peter Hunt insists there had been a ‘failed attempt’ to cover up the Queen's hospital stay.
The media’s faith in the veracity of royal communications will have been sorely tested by the failed attempt to hide the fact the Queen spent a night in hospital.
It is understood the Queen was back to work performing light duties, although her scheduled activities for next week have been put on hold.
This was the monarch’s first overnight stay in hospital since she spent a night at the private clinic in 2013.
