Doctors have shown concern for Queen Elizabeth’s health and recommended she remain under medical observation, Buckingham Palace has said.
In a communique seen from SkyNews, the Palace said:
“Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision.”
The Queen is still comfortable and at Balmoral Castle.
The Commons Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, told MPs that:
“I know I speak on behalf of the entire house when I say that we send our best wishes to Her Majesty the Queen and that she and the royal family are in our thoughts and prayers at this moment.”
The concern was over the health of the 96-year-old head of state escalated when she pulled out of a virtual privy council meeting on Wednesday after doctors directed that she should rest.
Prince Charles was at her side, and Prince William was travelling to be with her as well.
A Clarence House spokesman said:
“Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have travelled to Balmoral.”
A Kensington palace spokesman also said that:
“The Duke of Cambridge is travelling to Balmoral.”
The prime minister, Liz Truss, said:
“The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime.”
“My thoughts – and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom – are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time”.
The Queen was seen in public for the first time in several weeks when she received the outgoing and incoming prime ministers at her Scottish residence this week.
She looked bright but frail, and used a walking stick during Tuesday’s audiences with Boris Johnson, who tendered his resignation, and Truss, whom she appointed as his successor.
It was announced on Saturday that the Queen had cancelled the planned virtual privy council meeting.
Buckingham Palace said at the time:
“After a full day yesterday, Her Majesty has this afternoon accepted doctors’ advice to rest. This means that the privy council meeting that had been due to take place this evening will be rearranged.”