Queen to miss jubilee thanksgiving service at St Paul’s

The Queen will miss the national service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London on Friday after experiencing "some discomfort" during Thursday's platinum jubilee celebrations, Buckingham Palace has said.

She is believed to have experienced episodic mobility issues during the day. The palace said she would still attend a beacon lighting event at Windsor Castle on Thursday evening.

It is understood the decision was considered regrettable but sensible due to the length of the journey and time involved, and the physical demands the service would require. It was always her hope that she would attend rather than a firm commitment.

The statement issued by the palace on Thursday evening said: "The Queen greatly enjoyed today's Birthday Parade and flypast but did experience some discomfort.

"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 Queen is looking forward to participating in tonight's beacon lighting event at Windsor Castle and would like to thank all those who made today such a memorable occasion."

The Queen's non attendance means the Prince of Wales will officially represent his mother at St Paul's. The order of service will remain the same, but with some last minute adjustments to timings with no Queen procession. It means Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will arrive 10 minutes later than originally planned for the service which starts at 11.30am.

On Thursday, the Queen had a busy day at trooping the colour. She travelled from Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace. And, although she was not present at Horse Guards Parade for the ceremony itself, with Prince Charles taking the salute, she did acknowledge the salute from the palace balcony as the parade concluded in the Mall.

She stood for some time acknowledging the salute with the Duke of Kent, 86. She was seen at times to be leaning on a walking stick, which was a gift from the army for her jubilee.

She then reappeared for a second balcony appearance, to cheers from crowds packing the Mall, alongside other working members of the royal family to watch the RAF flypast. This necessitated her standing throughout the six-minute show and beyond.

Although decisions on the Queen's attendance at jubilee events have been made last-minute, due to her episodic mobility issues which she is understood to have experienced throughout Thursday, it had been hoped that the service of thanksgiving would be one event she would be most likely to attend.

PA Media contributed to this report