Edge's News: The Queen's hope for the Commonwealth... Statement...

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, today said she hoped the Commonwealth 'remains an influential force for good in our world for many generations to come' as she renewed her promise made in 1947 to 'always be devoted in service'.

Queen Elizabeth II of England

Buckingham Palace issued the 95-year-old monarch's Commonwealth Day Message today ahead of the annual Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey, which she is missing for the first time in almost a decade.

The Queen, who has recently recovered from coronavirus and has been experiencing mobility issues, had hoped to attend the important event in the royal calendar alongside Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince William and Kate.

But last Friday, palace officials revealed that the Queen - who is Head of the Commonwealth - had asked her son Charles to represent her at the service after discussing arrangements with members of the Royal Household.

In today's message, she said it was 'rewarding to observe a modern, vibrant and connected Commonwealth that combines a wealth of history and tradition with the great social, cultural and technological advances of our time'.

And she said: 'In these testing times, it is my hope that you can draw strength and inspiration from what we share, as we work together towards a healthy, sustainable and prosperous future for all.

'And on this special day for our family – in a year that will include the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the Commonwealth Games – I hope we can deepen our resolve to support and serve one another, and endeavour to ensure the Commonwealth remains an influential force for good in our world for many generations to come.'

Today, the Daily Mail reported that the Queen's diary is 'under review' and she is unlikely to ever undertake some major public engagements such as investitures again.

Sources stress that the monarch is not ill and is 'as committed to her duties of state as ever'. But senior royal aides – as well as the Queen herself – are understood to have accepted that the 'frailties that come with living a long life' are finally catching up with her.

She will still attend public events where possible, but her appearances will be significantly curtailed. 

That means standing on her feet for hour-long public investitures are out and they will be conducted by the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge and the Princess Royal instead.

A source told the Daily Mail: 'The Queen is still as alert, able and interested as ever but, physically, she isn't as strong as she once was, which is entirely understandable for a woman of her age.' 

Buckingham Palace declined to comment. However, a royal source said: 'The Royal Family understands the important role investitures play in recognising service and celebrating people's contribution to society and there has been a real drive to catch up on the backlog created by Covid restrictions.

'The Prince of Wales, Princess Royal and Duke of Cambridge have been leading the charge. It's easy to envisage that they will continue in that vein but I wouldn't rule out Her Majesty doing smaller or one-off investitures.'

The news comes after the monarch was forced to pull out of today's Commonwealth Service. 

Last Friday, Buckingham Palace, which earlier in the week had still insisted she 'hoped' to be there, announced that she had asked the Prince of Wales to represent her at Westminster Abbey.

The Queen, who has suffered a string of debilitating health issues since last autumn and is increasingly using a walking stick, was extremely 'regretful' about the decision, it is understood.