Queen to miss second Platinum Jubilee event as palace confirms Her Majesty will watch Epsom Derby from home
Queen Elizabeth will skip a second event in her Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
After experiencing "some discomfort" following Trooping the Colour on Thursday, Her Majesty pulled out of the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral on Friday.
Now, Buckingham Palace has confirmed the 96-year-old will not attend the Epsom Derby on Saturday, for only the third time in her reign.
Buckingham Palace have confirmed the 96-year-old will not attend the Epsom Derby on Saturday, for only the third time in her reign Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
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.
All three of the monarch's horses that were due to race had been scratched early last month, leading to speculation Her Majesty would give the event a miss.
The Queen has dropped out of multiple appearances recently due to ongoing mobility issues, sparking health concerns for the 96-year-old.
It's understood the monarch has been keen to pace herself across the four-day celebrations.
The monarch also attended the Epsom Derby alongside Prince Philip while marking her previous jubilee, celebrating 60 years on the throne AP
Her Majesty's commitment to the event is well-known.
The monarch attended the Epsom Derby while marking her previous jubilee, celebrating 60 years on the throne.
On that occasion, Her Majesty was joined by her late husband, Prince Philip, as they marked the monarch's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
Also not attending the racecourse 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.
The Queen might not be at Epsom Downs racecourse but her presence is certainly still being felt for the Jubilee weekend Andrew Matthews/PA Images via Getty Images
It's not known which of the royals will be trackside and which ones will be in front of the stage at Buckingham Palace in the evening, as the Queen's Jubilee: Platinum Party at the Palace takes place.
While the concert spectacular is in honour of Her Majesty, the monarch was never expected to be attending that event in the jubilee calendar.
Watch the Queen's Jubilee: Platinum Party at the Palace live on Sunday June 5 at 4.30am on Channel 9 and 9Now. Catch up for free on 9Now.
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