Queen’s attitude to being in a wheelchair, supposedly.

Firstly NOBODY knows what the Queen's attitude is apart from those closest to her and they aren't talking. Secondly just like every one else, its her choice. And once again she has recently renewed her accession vow that her "WHOLE LIFE" will be dedicted to the service of her people. She may delegate jobs but she won't abdicate.

I have to use a wheelchair occasionally - if the distances are too great - and nobody has ever ignored me. I don’t like using it, but rather that than just remaining housebound.

Anniebach

I doubt people will suddenly change their own choice of wheelchair yes/no because the Queen uses one.

I agree.

And she shouldn't have to use one in order to be a 'poster girl' for other wheelchair users, either.

Anyone with intelligence and a modicum of empathy will know that a wheelchair is sometimes necessary and doesn't diminish the stature or validity of the person using it, and that there is no shame in needing one. Those that don't understand this do not have the mental capacity or sensitivity to be persuaded otherwise simply because the Queen is seen in one.

I am not a Monarchist, but have a sneaking regard for the Queen. Being very much in the public eye, and having a strong sense of duty... she will probably do what she thinks is best for her image (she is an icon after all) and what she believes is her duty to the country.

... but nothing will stop the speculation, and people will continue to conjecture and theorise...

I can totally understand why she might not want to use one in public. Due to my health I’ve had to accept that I need to use one. It took me a long time and I still don’t like the fact that I need to use it but love that it gives me more independence.

When people become immobile, they can go down-hill (healthwise obviously) very quickly. If they start using a wheelchair, that might be a psychological switch that makes them fade away. They did say that, for the first time in her reign, she may be 'in place' before everyone else arrives so that she can be put in a chair and the wheelchair removed. Don't forget, I would think HM is well aware that for the last couple of years, or so, there has been a lot of talk about how long she might last ... or not. People on TV talking about what will happen when she dies. How many of us would want all our family and friends to be discussing what will happen when we die. If she wants to keep up appearances, she should be allowed to. This memorial service is mainly about Prince Philip, not the Queen.

I thought it was brave of Margaret to turn up for her mother's birthday ceremony in a wheelchair. And she had been dressed nicely - she had a lovely pale green silk jacket and nice chiffon scarf. A blanket over her lap just like the Queen has when she travels. I would have thought with the Queen who makes such a deal out of being a devoted Christian, she'd not be so proud. Loads of people her age have to use a wheelchair and don't have anyone to carry them about in helicopters or make secret tunnels for them. If she can't face it then let her stay home and watch on TV. TBH I think it's kind of creepy to have her smuggled in by tunnel, in the same way I found it creepy when Philip's coffin was lowered into a shaft in the floor. Perhaps the Queen could pop up from a hole in the floor, as the service begins, already seated on a comfy chair?

I use a mobility scooter. It enables me to have independence. It took me a day to get used to it but even going up and down the road enables me to get out, specially on this warm day. I would say get organised: basket, bag on back, brolly, coat with hood, gloves, hat. Enjoy!

eazybee

Give the woman a break!
She doesn't want to be seen in a wheelchair; isn't she entitled for once to have a personal preference? She has earned the right to do what is right for her, as the previous poster said.

I agree. I feel very sad for her though if she does now need a wheelchair when it doesn’t seem five minutes when she was out riding her pony most days. It must be a blow if she can no longer do that.
I remember Princess Margaret in a wheelchair but I also remember the Queen Mother dressed to the nines in her frills and feathers being pushed along, all smiles by her favourite page Backstairs Billy to cheers and waves from the public.

She could have a mobility scooter - so she is still in control.

I cannot recall ever seeing the QM in a wheelchair, being pushed by Backstairs Billy. That was Princess Margaret, surely, on the occasion of the QM’s birthday?

She should have one suitably embellished, specially made to be comfortable, racy, and modern.

She'd still be in control in an electric wheelchair.

She could have a gold and red wheelchair with a crown motif on the headrest and a plump cushion to sit on.

With an equerry or two walking solemnly behind her.

But I know where she’s coming from, I borrowed a wheel chair for my Mum shortly before she died, she insisted on pushing it until we got to a road where she didn’t know anyone, then she would sit in it and let me push.

At her husband’s funeral the front pages were all - the Queen
alone. Who would like that at their husband’s funeral

She needs to consider those for whom their wheelchair is their chariot!! If it's needed embrace it!! And stop being so daft!

Tbh I'd much prefer to scoot about in a wheelie chair than miss out on any fun going!?!? And - so what? We all get old if we're very lucky!! I've had deaths in my family of those just out of teens and early 20s so I feel immensely privileged to have reached 66!!

Yeah let her use one of those nice mobility scooters, they don't make you look like an invalid and plenty of older dignitaries use golf buggies which are similar, for occasions where they might have walked when they were younger. The Queen already knows how to drive a car so it shouldn't be a problem to her. The problem might come if she has to go up stairs or a steep ramp - that's where a light, pushable chair has advantages

Not trying to be unkind to princess margaret but it was self inflicted she lived a life of parties, drink and smoking.
The queen however is very frail but having lost The Duke of Edinburgh I am not surprised at her frailty with covid not helping either.
She is a remarkable lady and I think she may gradually bounce back, though not fully.

My goodness! - if she doesn't want to be wheeled around, or drive herself, in a wheelchair she's not being a good Christian; or she should consider others who are confined to them and, presumably, raise 'awareness'; she's, apparently, "daft"; she should give up and hand over to Charles... she looks so frail - how long will she last, etc, etc, etc.

As a Republican, I think she should do what makes her feel most comfortable, mentally and physically, in her role as Queen and as a human being. If she can't perform all her previous duties, she'll elect someone to replace her for whatever occasion, she'll continue to peruse and sign the necessary documents, she can be consulted sitting down - with others also seated, if necessary. Basically, she can be accommodated!

After a lifetime doing what she considers to be her duty, with herself and her family living life like fish in a tank, and is still well-respected... I think she's earned the right, ultimately, to decide for herself whether she's seen in a wheelchair or not. Either way, there's going to be endless speculation about the state of her health, or about her frailty. The woman is going to be criticised if she does use a wheelchair ("she should hand over the reins / reign to Charles") and equally damned if she doesn't use a wheelchair ("she's so frail, she should accept the inevitable").

Whatever she decides, she'll give it careful thought and look at the situation from all angles. Let Brenda decide for Brenda. You will not see her like again, she's the end of an era. Let her do it her way...

Dickens well said

‘ Don’t make you look like an invalid’
Kindly saying perhaps not the best words to use.

greenlady102

Firstly NOBODY knows what the Queen's attitude is apart from those closest to her and they aren't talking. Secondly just like every one else, its her choice. And once again she has recently renewed her accession vow that her "WHOLE LIFE" will be dedicted to the service of her people. She may delegate jobs but she won't abdicate.

If she's delegated the jobs to other people, how is she still serving?

Because she hasn’t, retired or abdicated
Delegates some jobs… you know like other folks do with there jobs. Doesn’t mean you have stopped working, does it .?

Fair enough Bridgeit. That makes sense.

Although when I've delegated to people it was because the job got too big or they had skills I don't have. Not that the job stayed the same and I became incapable of doing it.

With respect , you probably aren’t nearly 100 years old ?