Buckingham Palace has announced that Queen Elizabeth II has withdrawn from the state inauguration and reading of the Queen's speech this year due to "episodic mobility problems".
Instead, Prince Charles will deliver the speech on behalf of the 96-year-old monarch, the BBC reported late Monday night. In a later statement, BBC confirmed that the Queen is in consultation with her doctors.
It has never been since 1963 that the Queen missed this constitutional event in Westminster, this is the first time.
According to the BBC, she missed speeches only twice during her 70-year rule in 1959 and 1963 due to pregnancy.
In response to the development, a spokesman for Downing Street said: "The Prime Minister fully respects Her Excellency's wishes and is thankful to the Prince of Wales for agreeing to speak on her behalf."
UiTV Chairman Vedan Choolun wishing Queen Elizabeth II for speedy recovery and all the best to Prince Charles to take the responsibilities on behalf of the Queen.
