Royal Watch News

Queen Elizabeth pulls out of appearance with bad back

Oct 12, 2012, 11:01 GMT

Queen Elizabeth

Britain's Queen Elizabeth has been forced to pull out of a public appearance today (12.10.12) due to a bad back.

The 86-year-old monarch has cancelled her planned appearance at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, where she was due to present more than 90 honours, as her aides were concerned the event might be too physically demanding for her because she would have to stand up for more than an hour.

There were also worries the queen - who has suffered from excruciating back pain for a number of years - would cause further damage when leaning over repeatedly to pin on the medals.

Prince Charles is flying down from Scotland to stand in for his mother, who was forced to miss a church service on Sunday (07.10.12) because of her back.

Prince Philip, 91, also missed the service at Crathie Kirk in Scotland - a regular place of worship for the royal family when they are residing at nearby Balmoral Castle - but Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, attended the event.

Elizabeth was said to be 'very disappointed' about missing out, but she was advised to remain at Balmoral, her and Philip's official summer residence, to rest.

A source said: 'It is nothing serious but a sore back has been niggling her for a few days and she felt she had to stay at home and rest.

'She was very disappointed not to be able to attend the morning service.'