For the first time in nearly 60 years, the Queen is absent from the opening ceremony of parliament

The Queen of England in a photo taken on March 29, 2022 – Photo: REUTERS

WOMENOn May 9, Buckingham Palace announced that Queen Elizabeth II would not attend the opening of parliament on May 10 and Prince Charles would deliver the opening address on her behalf.

It was the first time since 1963 that the Queen did not attend the opening of parliament, which marked the beginning of a year of British Parliament.

Traditionally, at the opening of parliament, the Queen, as head of state, will deliver the opening address, announcing the government’s agenda and the laws it will enact. operating during the year.

Queen Elizabeth II, 96, has had mobility problems and has recently had to cancel several public appearances. Earlier, Buckingham Palace had still stated that the Queen hoped to attend the event, but confirmed on the evening of May 9 that she would not attend the ceremony in Westminster after being advised by doctors.

Prince Charles and Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, are empowered to open parliament on behalf of the queen. The royal crown will still go to parliament and the queen’s throne will remain empty.

The queen had previously been absent from a number of events, including Easter, and announced she would not hold royal garden parties this year.

During her 70-year reign, only twice did the queen fail to attend the opening of parliament in 1959 and 1963 while pregnant.