[Editor’s note: A previous edition of this article indicated that Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, was travelling to Balmoral Castle with her husband, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. Subsequent reports indicate that she is not, in fact, travelling to Balmoral.]
Concerns about the health of Queen Elizabeth II are spiking as news emerges of health-related event cancellations and the rush by Prince Charles and Prince William to travel to Balmoral Castle, the Royal family’s Scottish estate, where the Queen is residing under “medical supervision.”
Perhaps the most ominous portent that something serious is amiss with the 96-year-old monarch is news that estranged grandson Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is also on the way to Balmoral to be with the Queen. The Duke and his American wife, Meghan, were removed from royal duties over the past few years due to their controversial public stances and behavior since marrying in 2018.
Queen Elizabeth’s husband Prince Phillip died seven months ago.
According to numerous reports, the Queen has cancelled a scheduled visit to Northern Ireland and a meeting of her Privy Council over the last few days. The Queen’s doctors are concerned for the health of the British monarch and have recommended that she remain under medical supervision, Buckingham Palace said in a statement today.
The queen has been experiencing episodes of mobility issues and has been walking with a cane since October 2021. In November 2021, the monarch decided against attending a Remembrance Day ceremony because she was suffering from a sprained back.
Concern is pouring in from around the UK and the Commonwealth as news of the Queen’s condition has spread.
New British Prime Minister Liz Truss:
The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime.
— Liz Truss (@trussliz) September 8, 2022
My thoughts – and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom – are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:
My thoughts, and the thoughts of Canadians across the country, are with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at this time. We’re wishing her well, and sending our best to the Royal Family.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 8, 2022
Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Patricia Scotland:
Like everyone, I am deeply concerned to hear the statement from Buckingham Palace today. On behalf of every nation and citizen of the Commonwealth family, I send my best wishes to Her Majesty and the Royal Family. She will remain in my prayers.
— Patricia Scotland QC (@PScotlandCSG) September 8, 2022
The BBC is reporting that crowds are also beginning to form at Buckingham Palace, the Queens official residence in London.
This story is developing…
