Queen will miss this summer's garden parties, Buckingham Palace says
Tony Collier told ITV News' Chloe Keedy he's disappointed he'll miss meeting the Queen for third year in a row
The Queen will miss this year's royal garden party season and will be represented by other members of the royal family, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
A spokesperson said details on attendance will be "confirmed in due course".
Garden parties will be held from next week for the first time in three years and are important events in the royal calendar as those who have served their country or communities are invited to the monarch’s home.
The head of state reached her Platinum Jubilee in February, marking 70 years on the throne, and celebrated her 96th birthday privately on April 21 at her Sandringham estate.
She has recently struggled with mobility issues which have forced her to pull out of several major events, but has been carrying out virtual engagements and her other duties.
She also overcame a bout of Covid after testing positive in February, later revealing the virus had left her "very tired and exhausted."
Last October, the Queen spent a night in hospital and spent the following three months under doctors’ orders to only conduct light duties missing a number of prominent events.
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The Queen's Platinum Jubilee will be marked next month, when the bank holidays have been scheduled to run together to create a four-day weekend from Thursday June 2 to Sunday June 5.
Among the events planned are a live concert featuring some of the world’s biggest stars, a service of thanksgiving and a day at the races.
On Sunday June 5, the People's Pageant, a carnival finale, will be staged in London, featuring more than 5,000 people from across the UK and Commonwealth.
It will take place against the backdrop of Buckingham Palace and surrounding streets, combining street arts, theatre, music and circus.
Pubs and bars in England and Wales have also been granted special permission by Home Secretary Priti Patel to stay open until 1am over the bank holiday weekend.
Ms Patel said the move will provide a “boost” to the hospitality industry after its struggles with Covid as well as a chance to “raise a glass” to the Queen in the 70th year of her reign.