The heir to the throne will deliver the Queen’s prepared speech at the event on Tuesday. Prince Williamwill also reportedly be in attendance, as he and Charles are both considered “counselors of state,” and both must be present if the monarch is absent, according to the BBC. The British monarchy has two other counselors of state. One is Prince Andrew, who stepped down from royal duties after being accused of raping a minor, allegations tied closely with his relationship with sex traffickers Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The other is Prince Harry, who also stepped down as a senior royal and resides in the United States with his wife Meghan Markle. The Queen, 96, has missed the opening of Parliament only twice in her 70 years on the throne. This year will be the first time she has missed the event since 1963, The New York Times reported. Buckingham Palace claimed that the Queen’s absence was due to her “episodic mobility problems” and that her doctors advised her to rest. Queen Elizabeth II has been seen using a walking stick in recent years and reportedly has suffered from stiffness in her joints, specifically her knees, making it hard for her to move comfortably. She also came down with COVID-19 in February, which she previously said left her “exhausted.” Charles and his wife Duchess Camilla Parker-Bowleswere also infected at the time. It was the second time Charles contracted the virus. Next, find out 10 things that will happen when Queen Elizabeth II dies.
