Queen to miss speech to Parliament for the first time in 59 years

Queen Elizabeth has pulled out of this year’s state opening of Parliament for the first time in 59 years.

The last time she didn’t attend the opening to read the Queen’s speech was when she was pregnant with Prince Edward.

Senior royal reporter at Royal Central, Jess Ilse, says the 96-year-old’s withdrawal is “very reluctant”.

Buckingham Palace says “episodic mobility problems” are the reason for her decision not to attend the event on Tuesday.

“We’re told that just due to episodic issues with mobility she wouldn’t be able to do the state opening of Parliament,” Ms Ilse told Stephen Quartermain and Mark Allen, filling in for Ross and Russel.

“It’s obvious she still feels like she can do the job.”

Prince Charles will attend the event in the Queen’s place.

Press PLAY below to hear more about the withdrawal + the Queen’s health

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