The speculation around Queen Elizabeth's health continues.
Royal commentators have recently announced that it appears Queen Elizabeth's calendar has been cleared of all in-person appearances for the remainder of 2021. The Queen is said to be resting at Windsor Castle, where she will carry out light duties and schedule some virtual audiences.
A recent photo of the monarch shows her appearing slimmer than usual, with her hands discolored. She is on her feet, which is important to note considering the recent mentions of her back strain. Still, many are curious to see if the Queen will continue on with her family celebrations as they worry about the well-being of the 95-year-old monarch.
Despite her reportedly cleared calendar, there are still a number of events the Queen would typically participate in this time of year. She normally attends the State Opening of Parliament. She would also traditionally host the annual Diplomatic Corps white-tie reception in December for more than 1,000 guests, an event that hasn't been confirmed at this time.
With her own family, the Queen typically hosts a pre-Christmas brunch gathering for members of the royal family. Then she leaves for Sandringham, where many family members join her for the Christmas holiday. She typically spends the winter in Sandringham through February.
Royal commentators have speculated that virtual appearances by the Queen may become the new normal as the monarch's medical team advises her to take things easy. It's a complete change of pace for the monarch, who has been on the go since her father, King George VI, died when she was 25 years old in February 1952.
Royal experts also believe we'll see more of other family members stepping in on her behalf. Currently, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are on their first overseas tour since the health crisis. They're visiting Jordan and Egypt for four days to discuss the climate crisis.
During an event discussing environmental issues, Charles was asked about the Queen's health.
"She's all right, thank you very much," he replied.
"Once you get to 95, it's not quite as easy as it used to be," he joked, adding, "It's bad enough at 73."
Concerns are plentiful, but many are insisting you can't count the Queen out. Just earlier this month, she was seen driving herself around the grounds of Windsor Castle. A solid period of rest may have her back to business as usual, but only time will tell.
