For the first time since 1963 that the Queen will miss this constitutional ceremony, which sets out the government’s legislative plans. The queen will not be present at State Opening of Parliament, Buckingham Palace has announced.
Prince Charles will deliver the speech on Tuesday for the Queen.
The 96-year-old monarch has mobility problems and has had to cancel a number of recent public appearances.
Until Monday evening Buckingham Palace had been saying the Queen hoped to attend, but has now confirmed she will not go to the ceremony in Westminster, because of “episodic mobility problems”.
A statement said the Queen, in consultation with her doctors, had reluctantly decided not to attend the State Opening.
The Imperial State Crown will still be brought to Parliament – and the Queen’s throne will remain empty, with Prince Charles, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince William expected to be seated in front of the assembled parliamentarians.
The Queen’s absence follows her missing events at Easter, including the Maundy Service, and the announcement that she would not host royal garden parties this year.
The thanksgiving service for Prince Philip in March has been the only public event outside of royal residences that she has attended so far this year.
But it is understood that the Queen is planning to go ahead with other appointments this week, including regular meetings with the Prime Minister and Privy Council, held virtually or by phone, and some private engagements.
The State Opening of Parliament marks the start of the parliamentary year, with the Queen’s speech setting out the agenda of the government and the laws that it wants to introduce.
