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Queen Elizabeth II was accompanied by her eldest son, the Prince of Wales, as she attended a “dressed down” State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday morning.
Her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was due to join her but was admitted to hospital to receive treatment for an infection on Tuesday night — a “precautionary measure,” said Buckingham Palace.
The event, which usually commands a great deal of pomp and finery, operated with reduced ceremonial elements for the first time in over four decades.
Her Majesty, 91, arrived to Parliament by car (rather than riding in the majestic Diamond Jubilee State Coach, as she does most years with husband Prince Philip), and chose to wear a floral day dress, brightly-hued coat and matching hat in place of the traditional Robe of the State and the Imperial State Crown.
The famously-heavy crown, which features a 317-carat diamond, was instead driven to the House of Lords chamber in its own car and carried into the ceremony by an officer of state. The Sword of State and Cap of Maintenance were also carried.
Similarly, Charles sported dressed-down attire, swapping full naval garb for a simple morning coat.
The royal duo arrived by car instead of the majestic Diamond Jubilee State Coach, as is tradition.
The Queen appeared to be in high-spirits despite the recent hospitalisation of her husband.
She was accompanied by the Prince of Wales, rather than the Duke of Edinburgh.
The changes are reportedly due to timing, with the Trooping of the Colour having taken place just two days before the State Opening of Parliament. The proximity of the two major events, it’s claimed, left too little time for adequate rehearsal and preparation.
Of course, the recently called general election in the U.K. also played a part in the disruption.
Following the State Opening, the monarch will attend Royal Ascot — one of the highlights of the British social calendar. She and Prince Philip attended day one of the annual event on Tuesday, mere hours before Philip was admitted to hospital.
For the first time since 1974, the Queen chose not to wear the Imperial State Crown.
The usually lavish affair operated with reduced ceremonial elements due to a timing issue.
At the time, a statement from Buckingham Palace explained: “The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London last night, as a precautionary measure, for treatment of an infection arising from a pre-existing condition.”
“Prince Philip is in good spirits and is disappointed to be missing the State Opening of Parliament and Royal Ascot,” the statement continued. “The Prince of Wales will accompany The Queen to the State Opening. Her Majesty is being kept informed and will attend Royal Ascot as planned this afternoon.”
While the palace wouldn’t confirm his exact medical illness, royal insiders have told the UK press that the father-of-four is “up and about and is in good spirits.”
Her Majesty chose to wear a brightly-hued ensemble in place of the traditional ceremonial robes.
Following the State Opening, the royal pair will attend Royal Ascot — one of the highlights of the British social calendar.
In May, it was confirmed The Queen’s right-hand man was stepping down from his royal duties.
In a statement, the palace said that Philip would not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements, although “he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time.”
The Duke is considered one of the hardest-working royals and conducted 110 days of appearances last year – outnumbering several young family members, including Prince William.
Wishing the Duke a very speedy recovery!
