Queen cancels trip on doctor's orders
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The Queen has “reluctantly” cancelled a trip to Northern Ireland on medical advice, though royal experts have assured the public the decision is no cause for concern.
Her Majesty had planned to travel to Northern Ireland on Wednesday afternoon, but Buckingham Palace announced she would be unable to attend, following doctors advice to “rest”.
“The Queen has reluctantly accepted medical advice to rest for the next few days,” the spokesperson said.
“Her Majesty is in good spirits and is disappointed that she will no longer be able to visit Northern Ireland, where she had been due to undertake a series of engagements today and tomorrow."
“The Queen sends her warmest good wishes to the people of Northern Ireland and looks forward to visiting in the future.”
No further details were revealed about why the 95-year-old has been ordered to rest at home, sparking speculation among the public.
However, royal sources confirmed to multiple outlets that the Queen’s decision to cancel the trip had nothing to do with the UK's spike in COVID-19 numbers.
“We are told there is ‘no cause for alarm’ about the Queen’s health,” ITV’s royal editor Chris Ship tweeted in the wake of the announcement.
Northern Irish leaders sent their well-wishes to the Queen with Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, tweeting that he trusts the Queen "will keep well and benefit from a period of rest".
At 95 years of age, Queen Elizabeth is Britain's oldest monarch, but that hasn't stopped her from continuing to carry out public royal duties well into her 90s.
It's understood that she will now retire to Windsor Castle for a few days' rest before returning to her planned royal duties next week.
In the meantime, other senior royals including Prince Charles, Princess Anne and Prince William may step up to attend some of the engagements she will be forced to miss.