The Queen will no longer attend the Platinum Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral tomorrow after feeling ‘some discomfort’ during today’s celebrations.
In a statement Buckingham Palace said: "The Queen greatly enjoyed today’s birthday parade and flypast but did experience some discomfort.
“Taking into account the journey and activity required to participate in tomorrow’s National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral, Her Majesty with great reluctance has concluded that she will not attend.
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“The Queen is looking forward to participating in tonight’s beacon lighting event at Windsor Castle and would like to thank all those who made today such a memorable occasion."
The Queen oversaw the Trooping the Colour earlier today, as the jubilee celebrations got underway.
She was joined on the balcony by numerous members of her family, including the Duchess of Cambridge and Duchess of Cornwall - as well as Kate and William’s three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The Queen could be seen beaming as she watched the special flypast after Trooping the Colour.
Wearing sunglasses, the 96-year-old sovereign looked joyful as she surveyed the patriotic scenes, giving broad smiles as she enjoyed the aircraft display - although young great-grandson Louis looked less than impressed and could be seen covering his ears.
The Sussexes have also flown over with their two young children for the celebrations, but weren’t present on the balcony today as the Queen decided to limit numbers to ‘working Royals’ only.
Later on this evening, the Queen will lead the lighting of the principal Jubilee beacon in a special dual ceremony, with the monarch at Windsor Castle and her grandson William at the Palace.
It will form the focal point of more than 3,500 flaming tributes being set ablaze across the UK and the Commonwealth.
The announcement that Her Majesty will miss tomorrow’s services comes just hours after the Palace said Prince Andrew would not be attending the service after testing positive for Covid-19.
In a statement released earlier today, Buckingham Palace said: “After undertaking a routine test The Duke has tested positive for Covid and with regret will no longer be attending tomorrow’s service.”
It is understood Andrew saw the Queen in the last few days but has been undertaking regular testing and has not seen her since he tested positive.
Topics: UK News, The Queen, Royal Family
Claire Reid