Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles were at the Parliament for the State Opening on Thursday, Dec. 19. Unlike the previous proceedings, however, the monarch did not put on her full regalia and opted to wear a simple turquoise dress without her crown.
According to Daily Mail, officials at Downing Street apparently requested that this State Opening should be less grand than before to avoid disuniting the growing working class voter base from the Conservatives. Apart from dressing down, Queen Elizabeth delivered her speech with a raspy voice and looked quite frail as she spoke before her people.
Apparently, Her Majesty was suffering from a sore throat but still proceeded to deliver her duty to the Parliament. Her son, Prince Charles, accompanied and sat down next to her.
Netizens on Twitter noticed Queen Elizabeth's less then energetic appearance at the State Opening. Some speculated that the royal might have even lost some weight, especially after a trying year with the scandals and controversies.
The fact that she wore a "day dress" without her robe also highlighted her frail body, according to royal fans. Other royal observers said that Prince Charles should have just taken over this duty and not burden his 93-year-old mother.
The public also could not help but notice that Prince Charles seemingly fell asleep while Queen Elizabeth delivered her speech. He was apparently bowing his head a few times and appeared to be closing his eyes.
Queen Elizabeth laid down Prime Minister Boris Johnson's plans for Brexit. In her speech, which was written by the government, Her Majesty enumerated bills expected to be passed in the Parliament in 2020, including the Withdrawal Agreement Bill that will usher Brexit. Leaders of Britain want to leave the European Union by Jan. 31, 2020.
Meanwhile, after her appearance at the Parliament, the Queen was whisked away to her Sandringham estate for her annual traditional Christmas festivities. She arrived at Sandringham on Friday as her husband, Prince Philip, had to go to London for a scheduled hospitalization.
According to Buckingham Palace, the Duke of Edinburgh is getting treatment for a pre-existing condition and will need to stay in the hospital for observation. His admission is a precautionary measure, per the advice of his doctor.
Prince Philip was able to walk as he entered the hospital. He is expected to stay at the hospital a few days and it's uncertain if he will be able to join the royal family and his wife for church on Christmas Day.
