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Queen Elizabeth II will miss the opening of Parliament, citing 'mobility problems'

The 96-year-old monarch will send Prince Charles in her place.
Image: Queen Elizabeth II attends an audience with the President of Switzerland Ignazio Cassis at Windsor Castle on April 28, 2022 in Windsor, England.
Queen Elizabeth II at an audience with Swiss President Ignazio Cassis at Windsor Castle on April 28. Dominic Lipinski / WPA Pool via Getty Images file

Queen Elizabeth II is suffering from "episodic mobility problems" and will not attend the opening of Parliament, Buckingham Palace announced Monday.

Instead, Prince Charles will appear in her place Tuesday and deliver a speech with his son Prince William in attendance.

Full coverage: Latest news and updates on Queen Elizabeth II

Elizabeth, 96, recently celebrated the 70-year mark of her time on the throne.

"The Queen continues to experience episodic mobility problems, and in consultation with her doctors has reluctantly decided that she will not attend the State Opening of Parliament tomorrow," the Buckingham Palace statement said.

"At Her Majesty’s request, and with the agreement of the relevant authorities, The Prince of Wales will read The Queen’s speech on Her Majesty’s behalf, with The Duke of Cambridge also in attendance. "

Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning monarch in British history in 2015, surpassing her great-great grandmother Queen Victoria.

It's been a little more than a year since the queen's husband, Prince Philip, died at age 99. He had been the longest-serving consort of any British monarch.