Queens Speech

GSM I imagine she could discuss it with her physicians but the law only allows Regency in that event of the Sovereign's total incapacity and that isn't the case. I suspect there are many duties she is still carrying out as she did while suffering from Covid.

And as I said upthread, there are now only four not five people who can be involved in the decision, two of whom are government members who are compromised by current political events. It would be a very delicate constitutional matter to deal with under any circumstances but particularly so now.

I find it interesting that most people are inferring that it is a physical problem which is affecting the queen. I wonder if it may be a cognitive issue, which would provide a different set of problems.

pinkquartz

It is a shame The Queen won't be seen in a wheelchair.
To do so would be a huge boost in reducing discrimination against wheelchair users.
Using a wheelchair only means ones legs do not function properly.
It doesn't mean there is any other deficiency.

I agree. If the only problem is mobility there is an answer. However given these last minute changes I suspect there may also be anxiety and/or agoraphobia. It really isn’t fair on other people to dither about whether you’re going to do something and then back out.

volver

I seriously, seriously can't understand the comments along the lines of "but she's the Queen! But you have to be born to it!".

In past times people thought you had a special calling from God to be monarch, that you were a special person because you and only you could do it, and God had chosen you for it. (Not in Scotland, actually, but that's another story...) But surely we don't still think that do we? We don't think that by accident of birth a particular family are the only ones that can do the job?

And I'm sorry if you don't think its a job, but it is. Heads of State all over the world carry out their job. Most don't believe that they are the only ones that can do it, them or their offspring. Dare I say it, but promoting your family members into positions of power and influence is often though of as un-democratic.

'But surely we don't still think that do we?'

I 100% believe that God Almighty has appointed her majesty The Queen as our monarch.

Your republican snake oil is anathema to me.
God save The Queen!

She can ask for the process to be carried out Oak Dryad, for the wheels to be set in motion, on the grounds of her physical incapacity.

I seriously, seriously can't understand the comments along the lines of "but she's the Queen! But you have to be born to it!".

In past times people thought you had a special calling from God to be monarch, that you were a special person because you and only you could do it, and God had chosen you for it. (Not in Scotland, actually, but that's another story...) But surely we don't still think that do we? We don't think that by accident of birth a particular family are the only ones that can do the job?

And I'm sorry if you don't think its a job, but it is. Heads of State all over the world carry out their job. Most don't believe that they are the only ones that can do it, them or their offspring. Dare I say it, but promoting your family members into positions of power and influence is often though of as un-democratic.

It is a shame The Queen won't be seen in a wheelchair.
To do so would be a huge boost in reducing discrimination against wheelchair users.
Using a wheelchair only means ones legs do not function properly.
It doesn't mean there is any other deficiency.

Yes Volver Harry Potter with wands , hats and special doors , I wonder if the Author got her inspiration from these ceremonial daftness
I dare say in the “ olden days “ the peasantry had to be impressed to be kept under control , but the Queen is surely savi enough to know she should do it all by zoom without all the gold braid and men in tights

I’m one of those who thinks that in 2022 we do not need a Monarchy. To me, they are just extraordinarily wealthy people who have nothing whatever to do with the vast majority of us. There will probably always be such people, sadly, but let them get on with their privileged lives and set them free from their ribbon cutting and dressing up duties. Nothing at all against them personally…don’t know them, never will. I say, set them free from their goldfish bowl lives.

Grandma70s.how rude you are

Germanshepherdsmum

She can ask for Charles to be appointed regent but she won’t, even though she is not physically capable of performing some duties and won’t use the aids that other people in her physical situation rely on.

You have said this before but that is not my understanding of the Regency Act. Can you please explain where it says the Queen can ask ... There is no evidence that she is totally incapacitated only physically frail.

www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Edw8and1Geo6/1/16/section/2

More ageist comments “Prince Charles is already an old man”.
He is younger and certainly more fit than Biden, yet so many on here won’t hear of Biden standing down.

As for the pope he is elected. To be our king or Queen you have to be born to it. It is not a job, you don’t go for interview. If the Queen does not want to retire she won’t. If she becomes incapable Charles can be appointed as Regent. Until then she is our Queen.

Personally, I think we may see some changes after the Jubilee - I think the Queen is desperately trying to hang on till then. She seems well mentally, but I can understand her reluctance to be seen in public in a wheelchair /and or with mobility issues with the world's press waiting to jump on the situation and report how ill she is etc etc. She's had a lot of experience about how the media deal with things.......

I hope our Queen recovers soon from her present mobility episode. The Queen is very dedicated and I'm sure would have opened parliament herself if she was well enough to walk or travel and sit in a car or wheel chair.
It is not for me to guess at her mobility issue- but something like a back injury may make for instance sitting very painful as well as walking -at any age. Vanity may have nothing to do with it .

She can ask for Charles to be appointed regent but she won’t, even though she is not physically capable of performing some duties and won’t use the aids that other people in her physical situation rely on.

FannyCornforth
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN !
From what exactly CrazyGran?

If I recall correctly, its from rebellious Scots Fanny

Petera

Elrel

Those who want a republic may get President Johnson

Those who want a monarchy will get a King Charles

No problem with that.

She could appoint Charles as Regent if her health is failing and may yet do that.

Actually, she couldn't, as OakDryad showed us above.

I'm sorry, but I'm still thinking about the Cap of Maintenance (which is a hat on a stick, for those who missed it.)

I feel like we're living in a Harry Potter book.

volver

DH and I have just been discussing this, actually. There are actually very few constitutional duties for our monarch, but delivering the Queen's Speech is one of them. If she can't do it, then why is she persisting in the post?

Because it’s for life, that’s why. She could appoint Charles as Regent if her health is failing and may yet do that.

When she was a child ppl worked until their last breath and yes I believe that is what she believes she has to do. But I know she doesn’t want to use a mobility scooter because she doesn’t want us to see her that way. But I think we all have to except in life we all need help in some way. But I fear she isn’t long for this earth and it will be a very sad day when she goes. and I think they will struggle to survive I know I watch queen royal weddings etc but my sons and daughter inlaws etc don’t. Younger generation don’t see them like we do.

I agree that the Queen should now stand down - can’t understand why she can’t use an electric scooter as this would be good to raise the issue of disability image. It’s time we decreased the pomp and e Penske of Royalty and Parliament

Too right Yammy
As I have previously said (am I the only one repeating myself? I doubt it!) it’s time for her to put up the royal feet in front of the racing, with a packet of custard creams.

GrammyGrammy

twinnytwin

Well I support the Queen and think she's done a wonderful job over all the years. I really don't like the way this post is going and some of the nasty comment about her. Shameful.

You can try. But. Over my dead body, and many others'.

Apologies twinnytwin- this has come out oddly- I was responding to the other person on the post. Sorry.

Grany

A reminder that the police still have to conclude an investigation into Prince Charles allegedly selling honours. Perhaps he can promise to quit if they prosecute?

Good one ?