The monarch, 95 years old, can still perform light desk-based duties during this period — even some virtual audiences. She will not be able to travel to the Festival of Remembrance, Saturday, Nov. 13.
“However it remains the Queen’s firm intent to be present at the National Service of Remembrance, on Remembrance Sunday on 14th November,” the palace stated, noting that this was a significant event on the annual calendar of the monarch.
This decision comes days after Elizabeth cancelled her appearance at the U.N. Climate Conference in Glasgow. It was a move that disappointed the Conservative government of Britain, which wants to emphasize the importance of this session for the fate of the planet. Her attendance was intended to launch the conference in style and splendor.
After the sovereign hosted virtual audiences Tuesday at Windsor Castle, the news was unexpected. It was the first time since her doctors told her she had to rest. During her first technology-aided public appearance since Oct. 20, when she was taken to London’s King Edward VII’s Hospital for preliminary investigations, the sovereign welcomed the ambassadors of South Korea and Switzerland. She has continued to perform light duties at Windsor Castle since then.
After she cancelled a trip to commemorate 100 years of the founding of Northern Ireland, the queen was subject to medical testing. The palace stated that she had “reluctantly accepted” advice to rest for a few more days. This matter had nothing to do with COVID-19.
