The Royal family members have rushed to Balmoral Castle where Queen Elizabeth is under medical supervision. Her doctors are concerned about the health of the 96-year-old monarch.
According to Buckingham Palace, the monarch has been suffering from what they call episodic mobility problems.
The Queen, Britain’s longest reigning sovereign and the world’s oldest monarch has been suffering from what Buckingham Palace has called episodic mobility problems.
In October last year, the Queen spent a night in hospital and she had to cut back on her public engagements since then. This week she had to cancel a virtual meeting with senior ministers after being advised to rest by her doctors.
The previous day there were pictures of her appointing Lizz Truss as the country’s new Prime Minister and the 15th Premier of her record-breaking reign.
Some Londoners have wished her well. British leaders have also taken to social media to express their words of support for the Queen.
UK Prime Minister Lizz Truss has tweeted that the whole country is deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime. “My thoughts and the thoughts of the people across our United Kingdom are with Her Majesty the Queen and her family at this time.”
When the Queen ascended the throne, Winston Churchill was the UK’s Prime Minister, Josef Stalin was the leader of the Soviet Union (today’s Russia) and Harry Truman was the leader of the United States.
Reaction from politicians and officials
Britain’s royal family rushed to be with Queen Elizabeth after doctors said they were concerned about the health of the 96-year-old monarch on Thursday and said she should remain under medical supervision. Here is some reaction to the news:
British Prime Minister Liz Truss
“The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime. My thoughts – and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom – are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time.”
Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer
“Along with the rest of the country, I am deeply worried by the news from Buckingham Palace this afternoon. My thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time, and I join everyone across the United Kingdom in hoping for her recovery.”
Leader of opposition Liberal Democrats Ed Davey
“The whole nation’s thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family as we all hope and pray for her full recovery.”
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon
“All of us are feeling profoundly concerned at reports of Her Majesty’s health. My thoughts and wishes are with the Queen and all of the Royal Family at this time.”
First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford
“Concerned to hear the news from Buckingham Palace. I send my best wishes to Her Majesty and her family on behalf of the people of Wales.”
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby
“My prayers, and the prayers of people across the @churchofengland and the nation, are with Her Majesty The Queen today. May God’s presence strengthen and comfort Her Majesty, her family, and those who are caring for her at Balmoral.”
President of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols
“I am concerned to hear the news about the Her Majesty The Queen’s health. I offer my prayers for her and her family. May the blessings of the Lord strengthen and comfort her and her family.”
Speaker of Parliament Lindsay Hoyle
“I know I speak on behalf of the entire House when I say we send all the best wishes to Her Majesty The Queen.”
UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ “thoughts are with the Queen, her family and the people of the United Kingdom at this time”.
Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau
“My thoughts, and the thoughts of Canadians across the country, are with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at this time. We’re wishing her well, and sending our best to the Royal Family.”
Australia’s Governor-General David Hurley
“Following news from Buckingham Palace, and on behalf of all Australians, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley’s thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal family at this time.”
White House Spokesperson John Kirby after President Joe Biden briefed on situation
“His and the first lady’s thoughts are solidly and squarely with the queen today and her family.”
US Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell
“The queen is an exemplar of steady leadership and a beloved figure around the world. She has been a historic friend of the United States. The decades of her reign have seen a profound deepening of the special relationship between our two countries that has literally changed the world. The queen, the royal family, and all our friends in the United Kingdom have our thoughts and our prayers.”
US Ambassador to United Kingdom Jane Hartley
“I join the people of the United Kingdom, the United States, and across the world in sending our thoughts and prayers to Her Majesty The Queen and her family.”
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland
“Like everyone, I am deeply concerned to hear the statement from Buckingham Palace today. On behalf of every nation and citizen of the Commonwealth family, I send my best wishes to Her Majesty and the Royal Family. She will remain in my prayers.”
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
“My thoughts and prayers are with her. She represents the whole history of the Europe that is our common home with our British friends, she has always given us stability and confidence, she has shown an immense amount of courage, and is a legend in my eyes.”
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair via his Institute
“It is deeply concerning to hear today’s news from Buckingham Palace. My thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this worrying time.”
Former Prime Minister David Cameron
“Deeply concerned by the news this afternoon from Buckingham Palace. I send my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this worrying time.” -Additional reporting by Reuters
