Queen Elizabeth ‘reluctantly’ cancels trip based on ‘medical advice’

The Queen has cancelled a planned trip to Northern Ireland and has been told to rest for a number of days on medical advice.

The Queen has cancelled a planned trip to Northern Ireland and has been told to rest for a number of days on medical advice in a decision so late reporters had already arrived on the ground.

Buckingham Palace confirmed the news, revealing the 95-year-old “reluctantly accepted medical advice” to cancel the visit, where she was expected to undertake a number of appearances over the next two days to mark Northern Ireland’s centenary.

Queen Elizabeth II on October 14. Picture: Geoff Caddick / AFP

The Palace said the Queen is in good spirits but is “disappointed” that she is unable to attend.

It is understood the medical advice is unrelated to coronavirus, which has seen a resurgence in the UK as doctors call for an urgent return of Covid-19 restrictions. No further information has been revealed on her condition but she is resting at Windsor Castle, where she has stayed since the Covid pandemic. The Queen is double vaccinated.

Queen Elizabeth II gestures on her departure after attending the ceremonial opening of the sixth Senedd. Picture: Geoff Caddick / AFP

The late announcement came as a surprise to some, with royal correspondents already arriving on the ground. Just last week, she appeared at the ceremonial opening of the sixth Senedd, in Cardiff, Wales, using a walking stick.

Yet Royal Central Editor Charlie Proctor said the queen is busier than ever over recent days, conducting 14 engagements in the last two weeks with three of those yesterday.

Rebecca English, royal correspondent for the Daily Mail, said: “At the age of 95, it’s sensible rather than serious.”

The Sun also revealed: “She has appeared in fine spirits at recent events and despite carrying a walking stick for comfort last week, she gave a hilarious response as she turned down an Oldie of the Year award”.

That feeling when you land in Belfast and two minutes later you find out you’ve wasted your time… That’s showbiz.

— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) October 20, 2021

Queen is resting at Windsor Castle :: it is where she considers ‘home’ and hardly stays at Buckingham Palace anymore

— Simon Vigar (@simonvigar5) October 20, 2021

“The Queen has reluctantly accepted medical advice to rest for the next few days,” a Palace spokesperson said.

“Her Majesty is in good spirits and is disappointed that she will no longer be able to visit Northern Ireland, where she had been due to undertake a series of engagements today and tomorrow.

“The Queen sends her warmest good wishes to the people of Northern Ireland, and looks forward to visiting in the future.”

The Queen welcomed billionaire business leaders, presidential envoys end tech entrepreneurs to Windsor Castle tonight following a Government investment summit. Bill Gates was among guests at the event to encourage foreign funding by showcasing the best of British innovation pic.twitter.com/Cw5WVQgxZ4

— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) October 19, 2021

Despite the rest orders the monarch is still expected to make a number of appearances at the end of the month, including the climate change summit in Glasgow where world leaders including Scott Morrison, will attend. The PM is understood to have agreed to the visit after pressure from those including Buckingham Palace.

Just yesterday, Elizabeth was pictured with Prime Minister, Boris Johnson and guests during a reception for international business and investment leaders at Windsor Castle to mark the Global Investment Summit.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prime Minister, Boris Johnson greet guests at Windsor Castle to mark the Global Investment Summit in Windsor. Picture: Alastair Grant / Getty

Originally published as Queen Elizabeth ‘reluctantly’ cancels trip based on ‘medical advice’