One of the several behind the scenes TV documentaries a few years ago showed them as a sort of managed walkabout, where Palace officials picked out a mix of people to be introduced, who were told almost at the last minute, and HM was steered towards them with a quick briefing. The old-style formal receiving line seems to have been relaxed - but no doubt these things will change ad hoc. The weather’s very indifferent today, maybe that’ll affect who does what and where. Certainly most of the guests won’t get more than a glimpse at the royals (and the provisions aren’t that special, I believe: apparently, IIRC, the clearers-up once found somebody’s dentures wedged in a meringue abandoned behind a bush).
Maybe she shakes them down for teaspoons on the way out.
She’s out and about again, attended the opening of the Elizabeth train line at Paddington station
Pictures here: Queen Elizabeth Makes Surprise London Underground Visit and Buys Ticket
and a quote from the article: “Palace officials have stressed that the Queen has been experiencing “episodic mobility problems,” and her appearance at any event going forward will only be confirmed hours before the start time.”
Video here, showing her walking:
As customary, she toured the opening of the Chelsea Flower Show - but in a very snazzy golf buggy. Apparently, they don’t decide these things until a hour or two beforehand.
William will lead Trooping the Color. I’m surprised he’ll risk being on horseback. IIRC the queen switched to a carriage after the starter pistol incident in 1981.
I’ll be interesting to see if the Queen makes any appearances.
To be precise, she didn’t switch to the carriage till some years later, when her usual horse was retired, and (officially) she didn’t want to have to train up a replacement (riding sidesaddle looks uncomfortable, but what do I know?)
Thank you for the correction.
I had thought the near tragedy brought the change. Side saddle doesn’t look very secure compared to normal riding. The queen was fortunate she got the horse back under control.
Sidesaddle is very tricksy, and not secure. The queen is a really good horsewoman.
That’s what I was going to remind people about. She loves horses and practically grew up on one, while it was indeed fortunate that the Queen wasn’t injured during that incident, much of it was because of her skill and reflexes.
She had ridden sidesaddle for that parade for decades and on that specific horse for quite some years, too.
I have a question, why do Brit say “in hospital” or “in university” instead of “in the hospital”?
Brits might indeed say “in the hospital” if they were referring to a specific known hospital. So the real question is why Americans says “in the hospital” when the specific hospital is unknown? I think you say “in court”, “in prison”, “in school”, “in college”, right?
Excellent point!
My WAG* is that “in hospital,” “at university” &c refer to a condition or situation rather than a specific place.
* Which is worth what you paid for it (less if you’re a subscriber).
5 posts were merged into an existing topic: Breaking - The Queen is unwell: 8 Sep 2022