Queen will not attend Friday's Jubilee service after experiencing 'discomfort' at Thursday's celebrations

The Queen will miss Friday's Jubilee service at St Paul’s Cathedral after experiencing “some discomfort,” at the celebrations on Thursday. The monarch is skipping the National Service of Thanksgiving on Friday “with great reluctance” but will still attend a beacon lighting event at Windsor Castle on Thursday evening, the palace said.

She is believed to have experienced episodic mobility issues during Thursday’s events. It is understood the decision was considered regrettable but sensible due to the length of the journey and time involved and the physical demands the service would require.

The statement issued by Buckingham Palace on Thursday evening said: “The Queen greatly enjoyed today’s Birthday Parade and flypast but did experience some discomfort. Taking into account the journey and activity required to participate in tomorrow’s National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral, Her Majesty with great reluctance has concluded that she will not attend.

“The Queen is looking forward to participating in tonight’s beacon lighting event at Windsor Castle and would like to thank all those who made today such a memorable occasion.”