Palace confirms Queen's absence from historic event over health fears
Queen Elizabeth is set to miss a major event for the first time in almost 60 years due to health fears.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the Queen, 96, is experiencing mobility problems and it was recommended she sit out the State Opening of Parliament.
"The Queen continues to experience episodic mobility problems, and in consultation with her doctors has reluctantly decided that she will not attend the State Opening of Parliament,” the palace confirmed in a statement.
"At Her Majesty's request, and with the agreement of the relevant authorities, The Prince of Wales will read The Queen's speech on Her Majesty's behalf, with The Duke of Cambridge also in attendance."
The Queen’s speech will instead be read by the Prince of Wales and will reveal what the British government has in store for the country over the next year.
This is the first time since 1963 the Queen will miss the event due to a health issue.
Queen Elizabeth did not attend in 1959 because she was pregnant with Prince Andrew, and then again in 1963 when she was pregnant with Prince Edward.
Both times her speech was read by the chancellor.
Image: Getty