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03rd Jun 2022

Platinum Jubilee: Queen pulls out of St Paul’s Cathedral service with ‘great reluctance’

Charlie Herbert

Queen pulls out of Platinum Jubilee ceremony at St Paul's

It is the latest event she has had to pull out of due to health issues

The Queen will not be attending Friday’s Platinum Jubilee service at St Paul’s Cathedral after experiencing discomfort on Thursday.

Buckingham Palace said Her Majesty made the decision with “great reluctance” after considering the “journey and activity” that would be required in order for her to attend.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: “The Queen greatly enjoyed today’s birthday parade and flypast but did experience some discomfort.

“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.

“The Queen is looking forward to participating in tonight’s beacon lighting event at Windsor Castle and would like to thank all those who made today such a memorable occasion.”

The 96-year-old experienced discomfort while watching Thursday’s parade at the palace, the BBC reports.

But she did twice appear on the famous balcony alongside other members of her family, as they waved to thousands of people who had gathered on The Mall.

She later was part of a beacon lighting ceremony on Thursday evening.

The next event the Queen is scheduled to attend is the Derby at Epsom racecourse on Saturday.

This is not the first time this year that the Queen has had to pull out of events because of her health.

Last month, she was unable to participate in the state opening of Parliament because of mobility issues, with Prince Charles taking her place instead.

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