The Queen’s decision to rest, albeit reluctantly, on medical advice comes after a period of intense activity that has seen her carry out over a dozen engagements in just two weeks. At the age of 95, her duties have recently taken her to Wales and Scotland as well as London and Windsor. It means a planned trip to Northern Ireland has had to be cancelled. Here, Royal Central looks back at the busy October so far for The Queen.
October 1st 2021
The Queen officially started tree planting season for the Green Canopy that is taking shape to mark her Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Her Majesty was joined by Prince Charles at Balmoral to plant a tree before meeting local school children who are taking part in the scheme.
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The Queen then made her way to Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, promising the youngsters she met at Balmoral that she would read the work they had presented to her in the car on her way to the Scottish capital.
October 2nd 2021
Accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, The Queen attended the opening of the new session of the Scottish Parliament where she gave a speech. She then attended a reception for people from across Scotland to thank them for their work supporting their local communities during the pandemic.
Later, The Queen travelled from Scotland to Windsor Castle.
October 6th 2021
From Windsor Castle, The Queen held virtual audiences with new ambassadors to the UK who presented their letters of credentials via video link from London. She also held a phone meeting with the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.
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Her Majesty, as Captain General, The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery, also visited members of the 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery who were on duty at Windsor Castle and presented Captain General’s Sword to representatives of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery.
October 7th 2021
The Queen was at Buckingham Palace for a major event in the build up to the Commonwealth Games. With the Earl of Wessex at her side, she received the Queen’s Baton which will be carried around the Commonwealth before arriving in Birmingham for the Games in 2022.
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Earlier, she had written a special message to be revealed at the opening ceremony, with the process captured on video.
October 12th 2021
As she arrived at Westminster Abbey for a Service of Thanksgiving to mark the Centenary of the Royal British Legion, The Queen was seen using a walking stick. Buckingham Palace said there was no medical reason for the decision.
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The Princess Royal, who accompanied her mother to the service, was seen carrying the stick as the royal party arrived at the Abbey.
October 13th 2021
The Queen held a series of audiences at Windsor Castle.
October 14th 2021
The Queen travelled by train to Cardiff where, along with the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, she attended the opening of the new session of the Welsh Senedd.
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Her Majesty gave a speech before meeting members of the Youth Parliament.
October 16th 2021
The Queen attended Champion’s Day at Ascot.
She was presented with a special award marking her induction to British racing’s Hall of Fame.
October 18th 2021
The Queen held a virtual audience with Dame Cynthia Kiro, the new Governor-General of New Zealand.
October 19th 2021
Accompanied by the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Prince Michael of Kent and Lord Frederick Windsor, Her Majesty attended a reception at Windsor Castle marking the Global Investment Summit.
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Earlier in the day, she had held virtual audiences with the new ambassadors to the UK from Japan and the European Union.
