Queen Takes Short Break in Scotland Ahead of Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

The Queen has headed off to Scotland for a brief restorative break in the countryside before the upcoming Platinum Jubilee celebrations in London.

The 96-year-old monarch is currently at her estate in Aberdeenshire, where she will remain for a short holiday before returning to Windsor and London in time for her Jubilee.

According to reports, this is a regular occurrence for the Queen, who often makes a short trip at this time of year to recharge her batteries ahead of her public engagements.

The Queen's health has been a concern for some time now, with palace sources citing episodic mobility issues.

As a result, the Queen is expected to have a limited role in many of the Jubilee events.

Her presence at each engagement will only be confirmed on the day of the event, and she is expected to delegate a large number of duties to senior members of the royal family.

Buckingham Palace has reportedly drawn up two contingency plans to ensure the smooth running of Trooping the Colour, which takes place on the first day of the bank holiday weekend.

These plans involve other members of the royal family replacing the Queen at the event for the first time in her 70-year reign.

Prince Charles, Prince William, and Princess Anne are expected to step in for the Queen to receive the salute.

Two different options have been drawn up to allow the Queen a smaller role in proceedings.

One option being considered would see the Queen travel by carriage to briefly inspect the troops before retiring for the rest of the event.

Charles, William, and Anne would appear on horseback to represent the monarch at the parade ground.

If possible, the Queen would later reappear on the balcony with other working royals.

The other option reportedly being considered would see the Queen skip the parade altogether, only appearing on the balcony.

According to the Times, both plans would see the 96-year-old monarch miss most of the event.

The delegation of duties to other senior members of the royal family has become increasingly common in recent months.

The Queen was forced to cancel her appearance at the state opening of Parliament earlier this month as a result of health issues, with Prince Charles delivering the Queen's speech on her behalf.

He was accompanied by Prince William, who attended the event for the first time.

Constitutional expert Bob Morris told the Mirror that William and Charles' roles in the ceremony were unprecedented but are likely to continue for the rest of her reign.

It is clear that the Queen's health is a major concern for the palace, and they are taking every precaution to ensure that she is able to fulfill her public engagements while also taking care of her health.

While the Queen plans to return for the Jubilee celebrations, it is likely that she will have a limited role in many of the events.