Kate Middleton gives rare update on Queen after monarch skipped major Jubilee event
The Duchess of Cambridge provided a rare update on the Queen after she pulled out of a two major appearances during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
As she appeared at a reception held at Guildhall by the former Lord Mayor on Friday, Kate Middleton confirmed that Queen was "fine" after she missed out on the Service of Thanksgiving following a long day at Trooping the Colour.
According to PA, the duchess told an attendee: "Yes, she [the Queen] was fine, it was just very tiring yesterday," adding that the monarch "had had a lovely, lovely time."
READ MORE: Prince Louis steals the show at Trooping the Colour
Kate Middleton confirmed that Queen was "fine" after she missed out on the Service of Thanksgiving. Getty
As the Platinum Jubilee celebrations kicked off, the palace also confirmed the Queen will be missing Saturday's Derby at Epsom Downs due to her recent episodic mobility issues.
The monarch, a horse breeder and race enthusiast, will instead watch the day's racing at Epsom Downs on TV from the comfort of Windsor Castle
On Thursday, the palace explained that the Queen had experienced "some discomfort" during Trooping the Colour, and revealed that the 96-year-old had decided not to attend the church service that forms part of the official Platinum Jubilee celebrations "with great reluctance."
READ MORE: Queen pulls out of Platinum Jubilee event after 'discomfort'
The monarch was seen walking out onto the Buckingham Palace balcony assisted by a cane. AP
"The Queen greatly enjoyed today's Birthday Parade and Flypast but did experience some discomfort," a statement from the palace said.
"Taking into account the journey and activity required to participate in tomorrow's National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral, Her Majesty with great reluctance has concluded that she will not attend."
The monarch, who has been suffering "episodic mobility issues" in recent months, was seen walking out onto the Buckingham Palace balcony on Thursday assisted by a cane.
It's understood the Queen has been keen to pace herself across the four-day celebrations.
READ MORE: Where Prince Harry and Meghan were during Trooping the Colour
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are also thought to be skipping the race day. AP
Also not attending Saturday's Derby will be Prince Andrew, after he tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - who will be representing the Queen on a royal visit in Wales.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are also thought to be skipping the race day as it falls on their daughter, Lilibet's, first birthday.
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