State Opening of Parliament: When was the Queen last seen in public and which events has she missed?

The Queen will miss the State Opening of Parliament today for only the third time in her 70-year reign due to mobility issues.

She missed the event twice previously--in 1959 and in 1963 when she was pregnant with Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, respectively.

The Queen has been unable to attend a number of events since last October, and Buckingham Palace has announced that she will miss further events this summer.

But which events has the Queen missed this year and when was she last seen in public?

Which events has the Queen missed?

The Queen has been missing events since last October when she was hospitalised.

She cancelled a two-day trip to Northern Ireland in October and then did not attend Cop26 in Glasgow in November, but attended virtually.

The Queen then missed the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in November, as well as Remembrance Sunday. The monarch also missed the General Synod in November.

State Opening Of Parliament 2022

The Queen tested positive for Covid in February and cancelled all virtual events.

In March, she was well enough to welcome Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Windsor Castle, but she cancelled her appearance at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey a few days later.

Later that month, the Queen attended Prince Philip’s memorial service at Westminster Abbey.

She then missed Easter events, such as the Maundy Thursday service, and will miss today’s State Opening of Parliament.

Prince Charles will make the Queen’s speech on her behalf, and Prince William will attend for the first time.

Buckingham Palace has announced that she will also miss the royal garden party season, due to how long they last and how long she would have to spend standing to greet guests.

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When was the Queen last seen in public?

The Queen was last seen in public on March 29, 2022, at Prince Philip’s memorial service at Westminster Abbey.

She was accompanied by a number of members of the Royal Family, including Prince Charles, and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall. Prince William and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge also attended, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

Prince Andrew was also in attendance, and escorted his mother to her seat.