Since contracting COVID-19 in late February, the Queen has had to cancel multiple appearances. Many of her appearances have been filled in by the future King, Prince Charles. The latest event Her Majesty has pulled out of is the Commonwealth Service held today, Monday, March 14.
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Prince Charles steps in at Commonwealth Service
It was announced over the weekend that the Queen would not attend the Commonwealth Service today (March 14) and her son, Prince Charles to take her place.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said:
After discussing the arrangements with the Royal Household, The Queen has asked The Prince of Wales to represent Her Majesty at the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey on Monday,
The Palace has not revealed the reason why the Queen is no longer attending the Commonwealth Service but according to ITV Royal Editor Chris Ship, it may be due to concerns of getting Her Majesty to and from Westminster comfortably.
The Commonwealth Service was supposed to be the Queen’s first in-person public appearance since February 5 after being advised to rest by royal physicians.
The Queen has so far carried out virtual audiences as well as a few one-on-one meetings. Indeed she met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Windsor Castle last Monday.
Prince Charles to take over most duties
As the future King, it is Prince Charles’ duty to step in for the Queen when she cannot attend. This is not the first time Prince Charles has taken over from his mother and will likely not be the last.
This year marks the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and there are numerous events to mark this historic event. However, due to the Queen’s current health issues and advice to rest from her doctors, she will likely miss some of the events. It is highly likely that Her Majesty will ask Prince Charles to take her place. If the Prince of Wales is unable to step in, Prince William, the second in line to the throne, will be asked to fill in.
Read more:
⋙ The Queen left a hidden message during her meeting with the Canadian Prime Minister
⋙ The Queen: The unfortunate reason why she recently postponed an important event
⋙ Queen's Platinum Jubilee: Knitted corgis are being hidden around the UK waiting to be found
Will the Queen attend Prince Philip’s memorial thanksgiving service?
As the Queen has been advised to rest, there are speculations as to whether or not she will be well enough to attend her late husband’s memorial service.
This uncertainty comes as Her Majesty has reportedly refused to use a wheelchair. In recent events, the Queen has been seen walking with the aid of a stick. However, upon her meeting with Justin Trudeau, the 95-year-old monarch was seen moving about unaided. The Queen is reportedly determined to walk for as long as possible.
It is believed that the Queen is ‘too frail’ to walk her beloved corgis. Her Majesty has been unable to walk her beloved pets for six months.
