Queen Elizabeth II sparks fresh fears for her health after cancelling traditional Balmoral event

Publish Date
Tuesday, 9 August 2022, 3:54PM

Queen Elizabeth II has left royal fans concerned after she sparked fresh fears for her health by cancelling her traditional "welcome to Balmoral" event.

The 96-year-old monarch - who has undertaken very few public engagements this year due to ongoing health issues - arrived at her Scottish estate in late July and had been due to attend tomorrow's annual ceremony, however it has since been axed and replaced with a "small, private event".

Buckingham Palace explained the private ceremony is "in line with adapting Her Majesty’s schedule for her comfort."

Apart from during the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be the first time in decades that the queen won't greet well-wishers at the gates of the castle to mark the start of her annual holiday.

A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "The traditional welcome to Balmoral is normally cemented in the Queen's calendar and something Her Majesty really enjoys, being able to greet locals who travel to see her.

"It's a bitter disappointment the ceremony will not take place in its traditional form."

While the queen will still inspect a Guard of Honour from Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, the Royal ­Regiment of Scotland, it will be in private on the Balmoral lawns within the castle grounds and no TV cameras, photographers or reporters will be invited.

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