The Queen may miss Prince Philip’s memorial service as she ‘goes out’ using a wheelchair

The Queen has recovered from Covid, with Buckingham Palace saying at the time she was experiencing “mild cold-like symptoms”, but she has not seen a group of people in public since 5 February.

The Queen may withdraw from a memorial service for her late husband Prince Philip because she is said to be wheelchair-free.

The Queen is hoping to be able to attend the event with her cane at Westminster Abbey on March 29.

But this happened after she was told she was not well enough to join the Commonwealth Service today at the same location.

Buckingham Palace did not give a specific reason for her expected absence from the event.

It was reported that her aides said the Queen was so weak that she could not walk her beloved puppies.

Queen Elizabeth II has owned more than 30 corgis in her lifetime, but she hasn’t walked her dogs at Windsor Castle for six months.

Now Letters on Sunday understand She has ruled out the option of using a wheelchair at this stage and remains determined to keep walking for as long as possible.

The Queen, who turns 96 next month and is just recovering from Covid, last week moved around Windsor Castle without a cane and without a new illness.

But she still made the “regrettable” decision late Friday to withdraw from the annual Commonwealth Service, which is often the highlight of her calendar.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “The Queen has asked the Prince of Wales to represent the Queen at the Commonwealth service at Westminster Abbey.”

Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, said she believes the Queen will be “determined” to perform a Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey dedicated to her late husband Prince Philip on March 29.

Ms Seward said: “It would be a pain to miss out on Commonwealth Day service but these days she is faced with a dilemma as she has to choose her activities. Wisely.

“She will be very determined to do the Duke of Edinburgh’s thanksgiving later this month, which will mean so much to her that his funeral has been scaled down like that.

“Your Majesty, I believe, is very much like her mother, who was reluctant to use a wheelchair, so during her promotion years it was about preparing herself as much as possible for the big occasions. .”

The Queen tested positive for Covid on 20 February and Buckingham Palace said at the time she was experiencing “mild cold-like symptoms”.

Last month, she admitted her frailty for the first time during her royal engagement at Windsor Castle.

The Queen told visiting military officials: “As you can see, I cannot move.”

The last time she saw a group of people in public was on February 5.