Royal Family News
Queen Elizabeth II to Appoint New UK Prime Minister at Balmoral Amid Health Concerns
The health of Queen Elizabeth II has become so precarious that she will not be able to travel to London to appoint the United Kingdom's new Prime Minister.
For the first time in her reign, the monarch, who is 96 years old and reportedly struggling with mobility issues, will receive Boris Johnson and his replacement at her Scottish residence, Balmoral, on September 6.
This announcement was made by Buckingham Palace, which stated that the decision was taken to provide certainty for the Prime Minister's diary.
The meeting will be followed by an audience with Britain's new Conservative leader, who will be announced on September 5.
The following day, Boris Johnson is expected to announce his resignation to the Queen, who will then need to appoint his successor.
Through her 70-year reign, the Queen has always appointed her new Prime Ministers at Buckingham Palace.
Trending:
However, appointing the head of Her Majesty's Government is one of her duties as head of state.
Despite her advanced age and increasing frailty, the Queen remains determined to carry out her core duties.
Appointing a new Prime Minister is not something that can easily be passed to Prince Charles, a king-in-waiting.
The Queen normally spends the months of August and September at her Highlands Retreat, where she is joined by other family members at stages.
Prince William and Kate and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, are among those who have already been to see her at Balmoral this year.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex and their children, Lady Louise and Vice-Count James, have also been to visit the Queen, and Prince Charles is said to be visiting her daily, while Prince Andrew has also been at Balmoral.
The Sun reported at the weekend that the Prince of Wales has been making regular morning visits to see his mother as she continues to struggle with her mobility, with the unplanned visits considered highly unusual.
During her Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the Queen only travelled to Buckingham Palace twice, first for her Trooping the Colour balcony appearance and then for a finale after the pageant.
Her Majesty was last seen in public on July 21 when she flew to Aberdeen Airport to begin her annual holiday in Scotland.
But it has now been revealed that just before she headed to Scotland, some changes had to be made in order for her to be comfortable.
According to the Daily Mail's Ephraim Hardcastle, before the monarch's arrival, a large removal van delivered some comforts, including an electric buggy and a special orthopaedic bed, both brought over from her Windsor residence.
It's no surprise that the Queen uses an electric buggy.
She was first seen using one earlier this year as she attended the Chelsea Flower Show.
The golf buggy she uses is reported to have cost £62,000 and according to Golf Monthly, who we trust are experts when it comes to golf buggies, the vehicle of choice is made by Danish manufacturer Garia and features a number of high-quality extras.
The four-seater cart reportedly has an on-board minibar too, for those long trips around the castle grounds.
In case of getting lost in the estate, the golf buggy has a 10.1-inch screen next to the steering wheel for maps and weather updates, as well as weather enclosure doors, 14-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth speakers, a heated windscreen and cup holders.
Those comforts have definitely helped the Queen enjoy her time at Balmoral, where she plans to stay until later in October.
Commenting on the decision to appoint the new Prime Minister at Balmoral, ex-BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt said, “…the fact officials can't be sure the Queen will be well enough to travel next week is yet another reminder of her advanced age and increasing frailty.”
Buckingham Palace had previously said that the Queen would interrupt her summer stay at Balmoral to meet the new Prime Minister, the 15th of her 70-year reign.
However, the Palace did not give a reason for the change of plan.
In conclusion, despite her health concerns, the Queen remains committed to fulfilling her duties as head of state.
Her decision to appoint the new Prime Minister at Balmoral has been made to provide certainty for the Prime Minister's diary and reflects the monarch's desire to continue with her core duties.