Queen Elizabeth II has sprained her back, Buckingham Palace says, keeping her from attending what would have been her return to duty Sunday after several weeks of heightened concern over the state of the 95-year-old monarch’s health.
The queen’s decision, which was announced Sunday morning just a few hours before she was scheduled to appear, was made with “great regret” and “disappointment” over missing the service, the palace told USA TODAY in a statement.
British media reported that the back sprain was not believed to be related to the recent medical advice to rest that prompted other cancellations.
The palace said just days ago the queen was determined not to miss Remembrance Sunday, a sacred ceremony in the royal diary that usually brings out most of the senior royals.
It remains The Queen’s firm intention to be present for the National Service of Remembrance on Remembrance Sunday, on 14th November,” the palace previously said.
The palace’s original statement obtained by USA TODAY on Thursday said the queen had taken her doctors’ advice and would not be attending the service or opening session of the General Synod of the Church of England, which she heads, on Tuesday. Her youngest son, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, will attend as planned.
