LONDON (CU)_Earlier this week, Queen Elizabeth was forced to pull out of this year’s State Opening of Parliament on account of her mobility issues, marking the first time Her Majesty missed the constitutional ceremony since 1963. Her eldest son stepped in for her for the second time this week, for another royal event, as he was joined by a few other members of The Firm.
The Prince of Wales was joined by his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and his sister Princess Anne, in hosting Buckingham Palace’s first garden party since the pandemic. These Garden Parties, are an important way for the monarch to speak to people from all walks of life, all of whom have made a positive impact in their community. Having stepped in for his mother at the first party of the season this year, Prince Charles appeared on the steps of the palace with his wife and sister, and the National Anthem was played before they mingled with the guests.
It was announced just last week that the 96-year-old monarch would miss the event and that other members of the Royal Family would attend instead. “Her Majesty the Queen will be represented by other members of the royal family at this year’s garden parties, with details on attendance to be confirmed in due course,” a spokesperson said.
This year’s Garden Parties, which are being hosted at both the Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, are held in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, as Her Majesty marks her 70 years on the throne. The Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend will get underway in just a few weeks and a series of high-profile events are scheduled to be held in honour of this major milestone in the monarch’s life. It has not yet been confirmed how many of these events the Queen will be able to attend, as royal fans and well-wishers remain concerned over her health.
