Fears about the Queen's physical wellbeing have grown since she tested positive for Covid in February. The 95-year-old monarch was forced to miss the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in early March, with Prince Charles deputising.
A royal expert has warned the public may never see the Queen at major set-piece events again. In a Daily Mail column, Christopher Wilson wrote: "It is now increasingly clear that we should not expect to see our Head of State again at any of those traditional set pieces in the Royal year – Trooping the Colour, the State Opening of Parliament, Royal Ascot and the rest."
The Queen, who turns 96 on April 21, traditionally marks her official birthday in June with the Trooping of the Colour ceremony. However, reports suggest she is finding it "extremely difficult" to walk or stand for long periods. Actor Christopher Biggins claimed on GB News that the Queen is "largely confined to a wheelchair."
April 9 marks one year since Prince Philip's death, with a memorial service planned. Royal author Phil Dampier said the Queen would make a "huge effort" to attend, and a source indicated she may be flown by helicopter to ensure her comfort, noting "a 15-minute flight is better than an hour in the back of a car."
