The Queen’s annual garden parties are a popular feature of the royal calendar, but they have been cancelled due to the Covid pandemic for the past two years.
The garden parties make a return this year, but unfortunately it seems that the monarch won’t be returning with them.
The Palace has confirmed that the Queen won’t be hosting this year’s parties following her period of ill health.
A statement from the Palace said: “Her Majesty The Queen will be represented by other Members of the Royal Family at this year’s Garden Parties, with details on attendance to be confirmed in due course.”
As concerns grow about the Queen’s health, here’s everything you need to know about why she won’t be attending and who could be taking her place.
Why is the Queen not hosting the royal garden parties?
The Queen has been suffering from ongoing mobility issues in recent months, which has caused her to take a step back from some duties and cancel several engagements.
At her traditional garden parties, the monarch would be required to stand and walk for over an hour as she greets guests. It’s understood that the 96-year-old is currently unable to do this.
The Queen has also missed the State Opening of Parliament on May 10 due to her mobility issues, with a statement from the Palace stating that she has been suffering from “ episodic mobility problems ”.
Although the Queen has had to pull out from attending some events, the monarch continues to work from her desk in Windsor and is still carrying out virtual audiences.
Which garden parties are happening and who is hosting them?
Every year, up to three garden parties normally take place at Buckingham Palace, as well as a fourth party hosted at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
Despite the Queen’s absence, all of the garden parties are expected to go ahead, as well as an additional party for The Not Forgotten Association.
Parties will take place at Buckingham Palace on May 11, 12, 18 and 25 as well as on June 29 at Holyroodhouse.
Other members of the Royal Family will fill in for the Queen as hosts.
Princess Anne has been confirmed to be hosting the Not Forgotten Association's garden party at Buckingham Palace as the Princess Royal is the charity’s patron.
Other details about who will fill in as host for the Queen have not been confirmed yet, with the Palace’s statement saying that “details on attendance to be confirmed in due course”.
