Prince Charles seemed emotional as he stared at his mother’s crown, which stood next to the throne as he spoke on her behalf. The Imperial State Crown – the greatest symbol of British sovereign power and authority – was set on a table next to Charles. The prince looked at it several times during his speech.
Charles’ speech was a historic first, as Queen Elizabeth (96) is absent from this traditional opening for the first time in nearly sixty years. As has often been the case this year, the queen has health problems described as ‘problems with mobility’.
Reluctantly not present
The Queen reluctantly made the decision not to attend for the third time in her 70-year reign. In 1959 and 1963 she could not be there either, when she was pregnant. Prince Charles attended discussions between the Queen and her doctors, who advised her not to take the throne now.
The Prince of Wales read the Queen’s speech while supported by Prince William and Duchess Camilla. Symbolic according to the British press, because it is the first time that the heir apparent takes on a role closest to that of king.
Lots of cancellations
The queen has had to miss several events since the beginning of this year. Recently, the Queen also missed Commonwealth Day, the first in nearly thirty years. In February she tested positive for corona and although she would have had mild complaints, she had to cancel all kinds of virtual audiences.
She was in Westminster Abbey in March at the memorial service of her husband, Prince Philip, who died last year.
Source: Daily Mail