THE DAILY EXPRESS: THE Queen was forced to pull out of a public engagement yesterday as she struggled to shake off an 11-day illness.
Public concern about her health was heightened after she cancelled her appearance at the annual Commonwealth Day Observance ceremony at the last minute.
Doctors advised the 86-year-old monarch that she might not be up to sitting through the hour-long service in Westminster Abbey, London.
It was the first time in 20 years she had missed the ceremony, which is particularly close to her heart.
Buckingham Palace officials had said on Friday that she would be well enough to attend – and it was back to business as usual after the Queen suffered a bout of gastroenteritis. Last night she did brave the icy weather to attend a Commonwealth reception in London in her first public appearance since she left hospital last week.
Looking pale, she signed the Commonwealth’s new charter at Marlborough House in her role as head of the family of nations.
However, courtiers said she might well have to cancel other engagements this week. » | Richard Palmer | Tuesday, March 12, 2013
