Last week Queen Elizabeth was admitted to hospital overnight for a series of ‘preliminary tests.’ Although palace aides did not reveal what prompted the medical attention, they did ensure the Queen was ‘in good spirits.’
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Following her stay, the monarch was advised to rest, causing her to cancel an appearance at the COP26 conference held in Glasgow and a two-day trip to Northern Ireland.
Now, it seems that Her Majesty will be carrying out light duties at home for a little longer as doctors have advised the Queen to rest for two more weeks.
The Queen will now no longer be attending the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance on the 13th of November. However, despite the advice, the world’s longest-reigning monarch is still set on attending the annual Remembrance Sunday service on the 14th, which commemorates those who lost their lives during war.
A statement from Buckingham Palace explained: ‘Following on from their recent advice that the Queen should rest for a few days, Her Majesty’s doctors have advised that she should continue to rest for at least the next two weeks.’
The doctors have advised that Her Majesty can continue to undertake light, desk-based duties during this time, including some virtual audiences, but not to undertake any official visits.
‘Her Majesty regrets that this means she will be unable to attend the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday 13 November. However, it remains her firm intention to be present for the national service of remembrance on Remembrance Sunday, on 14 November.’
The Queen’s most significant absence
The monarch’s latest news has widely sparked concerns for her health; she was also recently spotted using a cane for the first time on royal duties. Queen Elizabeth is set to reach 70 years on the throne come February, with platinum jubilee celebrations already planned for later next year.
The Daily Telegraph added that while Her Majesty has taken time off for short periods in the past, this is one of the Queen's most significant absences and is ‘a sign that doctors are taking her condition seriously and proceeding with “caution.”’
Despite concerns, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, currently attending a G20 summit in Rome, explained to Channel 4: ‘I spoke to her Majesty, and she’s on very good form.’
While at home on light duties, the Queen has still been making virtual appearances, taking phone calls and reading her red boxes.
Queen still determined to host Christmas
According to Palace insiders, the Queen has confirmed to the rest of the royals that she will still be hosting Christmas at Sandringham.
The royal family’s annual Christmas traditions were cancelled last year due to the pandemic, leaving Queen Elizabeth and the late Prince Philip to celebrate the holiday alone.
Royal sources have revealed that the Queen is determined to recover by Christmas so she can celebrate with her loved ones, especially after the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh, her husband of 73 years, in April.
This year, more than ever, it is incredibly important to Her Majesty to be surrounded by her loved ones. The Queen is totally committed to hosting everyone as she hopes to make it back to full health in the coming weeks.
The Palace source continued: ‘Her Majesty is resting under doctors’ orders with the intention of being able to fully enjoy the company of her extended family over the holiday period.’
After being forced to cancel a host of engagements, the family get-together will be the perfect tonic.
