The Queen penned a
heartfelt statement reflecting on her spectacular Jubilee celebrations,
finishing her message with a hand-written signature that appeared shakier than
usual, hinting at her ongoing mobility issues.
Speaking affectionately, she
wrote: “When it comes to how to mark seventy years as your Queen, there is
no guidebook to follow. It really is a first. But I have been humbled and
deeply touched that so many people have taken to the streets to celebrate my Platinum
Jubilee.”
She added: “While I may
not have attended every event in person, my heart has been with you all; and I
remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability, supported by my
family.”
She concluded by saying:
“I thank you most sincerely for your good wishes and for the part you have
all played in these happy celebrations.”
The revelation comes after the
96-year-old chose to withdraw from Friday’s service of thanksgiving held at St
Paul’s Cathedral, London. In a statement, Buckingham Palace said that the Queen
“greatly enjoyed” her birthday parade and flypast, but “did
experience some discomfort”.
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Her latest signature hinted at her mobility issues
In a separate statement, the
palace said: “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.”
Whilst the monarch did manage
to make a final appearance on the balcony to round off Sunday’s Jubilee
Pageant, she was aided by a walking stick and supported by members of her
family.
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Her signature in July 2021
This isn’t the first time the
Queen has been spotted using mobility aids. In October 2021, she used a walking
stick at a Westminster Abbey service – the first time she had done so at a
major engagement. And more recently in May, the 96-year-old enjoyed the Chelsea
Flower Show from the comfort of a golf buggy.
Many of her duties are now carried
out by video calls, and the country’s longest-reigning sovereign remarked
during an in-person audience in February: “Well, as you can see, I can’t move.”
