Queen to miss Service of Thanksgiving after experiencing 'discomfort' during Jubilee celebrations

Queen to miss Service of Thanksgiving after experiencing 'discomfort' during Jubilee celebrations
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Aden-Jay Wood

By Aden-Jay Wood


Published: 02/06/2022

- 19:41

Updated: 02/06/2022

- 19:54

Buckingham Palace said the decision was made "with great reluctance"

The Queen will miss the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on Friday.

It is “with great reluctance” after experiencing “some discomfort” during Thursday’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, Buckingham Palace said.


In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen greatly enjoyed today’s Birthday Parade and flypast but did experience some discomfort.

Picture of the Queen in 2022. See PA Feature BOOK Royal. Picture credit should read: Andrew Matthews/PA. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature BOOK Royal.
The Queen will miss the National Service of Thanksgiving
PA

Her Majesty appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony earlier today
Her Majesty appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony earlier today
Jonathan Brady

“Taking into account the journey and activity required to participate in tomorrow’s National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral, Her Majesty, with great reluctance, has concluded that she will not attend.

“The Queen is looking forward to participating in tonight’s beacon lighting event at Windsor Castle and would like to thank all those who made today such a memorable occasion.”

Her Majesty is believed to have experienced episodic mobility issues during Thursday’s events.

But she will attend a beacon lighting event at Windsor Castle on Thursday evening, the palace confirmed.

It is understood the decision was considered regrettable but sensible due to the length of the journey and time involved and the physical demands the service would require.

While Her Majesty didn't take part in Trooping the Colour today, she did emerge on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the flypast.

The news comes hours after it was announced that Prince Andrew has tested positive for Covid-19 and will no longer attend tomorrow's Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving.

A palace spokesman said: “After undertaking a routine test the duke has tested positive for Covid and with regret will no longer be attending tomorrow’s service.”

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