Queen Elizabeth II’s family rushes to the side of the ailing monarch

LONDON –

Family members rushed to Queen Elizabeth II’s side after doctors said Thursday they were concerned about the 96-year-old monarch’s health and said she should remain under medical supervision.

The Queen, Britain’s longest-reigning sovereign and the world’s oldest monarch, has been suffering from what Buckingham Palace has described as “episodic mobility problems” since late last year.

“Following further examinations this morning, the Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended that she remain under medical supervision.”

“The Queen remains comfortable and in Balmoral,” the palace said in a statement.

Her eldest son and heir Prince Charles and his wife Camilla have traveled to their Scottish home of Balmoral Castle, where she is staying with his eldest son Prince William, officials said. Her other children – Anne, Andrew and Edward – were also on their way to the castle.

A spokesman said Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, who were in the UK for a number of events, would also be traveling to Scotland.

“My prayers and the prayers of the people of @churchofengland and the nation are with Her Majesty the Queen today,” said Justin Welby. said the Archbishop of Canterbury on Twitter.

The Queen spent a night in hospital last October and has since been forced to scale back her public engagements. On Wednesday, she canceled a virtual meeting with senior ministers after her doctors advised her to rest.

The day before, she was pictured in Balmoral at the appointment of Liz Truss as the country’s new prime minister.

A palace source played down speculation that the monarch suffered a fall.

RECORD-BREAKING GOVERNMENT

Queen of Britain and more than a dozen other countries including Canada, Australia and New Zealand since 1952, Elizabeth celebrated her 70th year on the throne earlier this year with four days of national celebrations in June.

“I was inspired by the kindness, joy and connection that has been so evident over the past few days, and I hope that renewed sense of togetherness will be felt for many years to come,” she said at the time.

Elizabeth ascended the throne after the death of her father, King George VI. on February 6, 1952, when she was just 25 years old.

She was crowned in June of the following year. The first televised coronation was a foretaste of a new world in which the lives of royals would come under increasing media scrutiny.

She became monarch at a time when Britain retained much of its empire. It emerged from the ravages of World War II with food rationing still in effect and class and privilege still dominant in society.

Winston Churchill was the first prime minister to serve during her reign, Joseph Stalin was leader of the Soviet Union, the Korean War raged. Truss marks the 15th premiere of her record-breaking reign.

The Prime Minister said: “My thoughts – and the thoughts of the people of our UK – are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time.”

Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, interrupted an energy debate in Parliament to say he sends his best wishes to the monarch.

“I along with the rest of the country am deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this afternoon,” said Labor Party leader Keir Starmer.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Twitter: “We are all deeply concerned by the reports on Her Majesty’s health. My thoughts and wishes are with the Queen and the entire Royal Family at this time.”

(Reporting by Michael Holden; Editing by Kate Holton and Janet Lawrence)