Queen’s doctors ‘concerned’ for her health, family at her side

LONDON — Fears grew on Thursday for Queen Elizabeth II after Buckingham Palace said her doctors were "concerned" for her health and recommended that she remain under medical supervision.

The 96-year-old monarch has been dogged by health problems since October last year that left her with difficulties walking and standing.

On Wednesday, she pulled out of a planned meeting with her senior political advisors, after being told to rest.

The previous day she held audiences at her Scottish Highlands retreat, Balmoral, with outgoing prime minister Boris Johnson and appointed his successor, Liz Truss.

"Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision," Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

"The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral," the palace added.

The palace statement about the queen's health is highly unusual.

Moments before, notes were passed to Prime Minister Liz Truss and senior members of her team in parliament, prompting them to leave the chamber.

Truss tweeted almost immediately afterwards: "The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime," she added.

"My thoughts—and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom—are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time."

The Queen's four children—heir to the throne Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward—are now at her side. Charles and Anne had already been in Scotland, while Andrew and Edward arrived in a car driven by their nephew Prince William. William's brother Harry is traveling separately to Balmoral. 

No. 10 Downing Street said that there are currently no plans for Truss to travel to Scotland today or tomorrow.

Well-wishers, meanwhile, have gathered near Balmoral and outside Buckingham Palace in London. 

World leaders including US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have sent separate statements that their thoughts are with the queen and her family.

"His and the first lady's thoughts are solidly and squarely with the queen today, and her family," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said of Biden, while Trudeau tweeted: "My thoughts, and the thoughts of Canadians across the country, are with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at this time. We’re wishing her well, and sending our best to the Royal Family." — Agence France-Presse