Sad news from Queen Elizabeth as royal year from hell continues

It’s hard to remember a worse royal year than this one – and the toll it has taken on the Queen is finally starting to show.

The Queen will cut back her commitments over the UK winter as she increasingly struggles with walking.

Courtiers will ensure she walks less at public engagements and avoids steps and cobbles. Her car will also pull up closer to venues.

It comes after it was reported the Queen, 95, would give up her evening Martini cocktail on the advice of doctors and drink alcohol only on special occasions.

The Queen — who has appeared in public twice this week with a walking stick — was also planning to host a smaller Christmas gathering this year, sources said.

It means Prince Harry and his family would be unlikely to join her at Sandringham in Norfolk.

The 95-year-old monarch has started using a walking stick again, and will cut back on royal duties as she struggles to get around. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Her Majesty has been struggling since the death of her husband Prince Philip earlier this year. Picture: Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images

As well as losing Philip this year, the monarch has been hit by attacks on the royal family by Harry and Meghan and controversies around Prince Andrew.

A source said: “The Queen has suffered a lot this year, including the death of her beloved husband.

“She is becoming a little less resilient and needs a little more help — although she is doing well for somebody of her age.

“Her courtiers have noticed the Queen becoming more weary and perhaps more fragile than she was — and who could be surprised?”

The Queen, who has told aides she is determined to carry on working, was first seen with a stick at Westminster Abbey.

She had not used one since a knee operation 18 years ago.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished here with permission.