Michael Palin has given fans an update on his health, a month on from a fall that left him with three fractured ribs and a pelvic fracture. The Monty Python legend took to Instagram to share a picture of himself getting out and about with a Zimmer frame.
He wrote: "Sunday, November 8, 2026 - What Goes Around Comes Around. It's now exactly a month since I thudded to my bathroom floor - returning from a pee at 3.30 in the morning."
Recovery and Humour
"I still can't walk without a Zimmer. The laughs are all on me. Zimmers were used in Monty Python when we wanted to play slow-moving elderly people. Now I'm an elderly person for real, having to move very slowly as I have three broken ribs and a cracked pelvis."
He continued: "Bones take time to heal, and I'm probably doomed to play this particular Python character for a few weeks more. I'm feeling sore, not just because I'll never be able to achieve my dream of being the oldest Olympic hurdler, but because I was never able to finish my Philippines tour and had to disappoint so many who'd bought tickets."
Fan Support and Missed Tour
Shortly after posting, the 83-year-old was flooded with messages. One person wrote: "Get well soon, and always look on the bright side of life." Another added: "Even in the midst of recovery, you write with unrivalled humour, grace and warmth, Sir Palin. Wishing you the speediest recovery," while a third commented: "Please take care of yourself. You are a treasure."
Michael, who was scheduled to appear in the Philippines as part of his book tour last month, had to cancel his event in October. The actor and writer revealed that he'd slipped in the bathroom of his home and sustained a number of fractures.
Looking Ahead
"I promise not to go to the bathroom ever again, and I shall try to find some other show dates next year. For now, I have a stack of books to read and all the time in the world to catch up with Slow Horses and the absolutely compulsive This City Is Ours."
"And, if things get really low, the Fish Slapping Dance. Thank you all for your patience. Here's to the next time."
