Queen Elizabeth Likely To Do More Virtual Appearances After Health Scare Even Though She 'Won't Naturally Take To Slowing Down'
In light of Queen Elizabeth's health issue that prompted a brief visit to the hospital, the monarch has had to skip a few of her planned events as doctors ordered her to rest.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun that she "hates" disappointing people by being a no-show, but it's likely that she'll now have to make more virtual appearances as she's been told to slow down her workload.
"There is no question, especially given the royal family's extraordinary commitment to the environment — particularly from Philip, Charles and now with William's Earthshot Prize — of course she will be very grieved to miss being there in person," the expert said, referencing the official announcement that she'll be skipping the November 1 COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow. "An event which the Queen personally attends does have a certain cachet which is irreplaceable."
"On other hand, if you bear in mind last year, she made two virtual broadcasts as well as her Christmas speech, all of which were magical and brought a lump to the throat," he continued. "That perhaps points to way forward as the royal family come to terms, given the fact she is 95, that she won't be able keep up the same schedule."
However, Fitzwilliams believes Elizabeth "isn't someone who will naturally take to slowing down," so convincing her to do so may prove a struggle.
"You are now looking at a scaling down, which began when she ceased long-haul flights in 2015," the royal guru explained. "She knows people want to see her, she knows certain events are particularly important, and if she can possibly make it in person she will. But it's more or less inevitable that there'll be a very, very careful rethink. However, she truly hates letting anyone down."
Buckingham Palace hasn't revealed the details of her health issue, simply stating that she spent one night in the hospital last week for "preliminary investigations," and she returned home the next day.
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The following week, she was in good spirits while making two virtual appearances.
"Her Majesty The Queen today conducted two virtual audiences via videolink from Windsor Castle," the palace said on October 26. "His Excellency Mr. Gunn Kim was received in audience by The Queen today via videolink and presented the Letters of Recall of his predecessor and his own Letters of Credence as Ambassador from the Republic of Korea to the Court of St James's. Mrs. Hee Jung Lee was also received by Her Majesty."
The message continued, "His Excellency Mr. Markus Leitner was received in audience by The Queen and presented the Letters of Recall of his predecessor and his own Letters of Credence as Ambassador from the Swiss Confederation to the Court of St James's. Mrs. Leitner was also received by Her Majesty."
