The Queen will miss the State Opening of Parliament for the first time in 60 years tomorrow, with Prince Charles to read the Queen’s Speech on her behalf.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement tonight: ‘The Queen continues to experience episodic mobility problems, and in consultation with her doctors has reluctantly decided that she will not attend the State Opening of Parliament tomorrow.

‘At Her Majesty’s request, and with the agreement of the relevant authorities, The Prince of Wales will read The Queen’s Speech on Her Majesty’s behalf, with The Duke of Cambridge also in attendance.’

This will mark the first time that Prince Charles has taken on this duty.

A new Letters Patent authorised by the Queen was issued to allow delegation of the royal function.

In this instance, it enables Charles and William as Counsellors of State to jointly be able to do so.

As Charles takes on the head of state’s major constitutional duty for the first time, the move – believed to be unprecedented in modern history – will be interpreted as a significant shift in his responsibilities as a king in waiting.

The Duke of Cambridge, also a future monarch, will also attend the State Opening – the first time William has done so.

No other functions have been delegated by the Queen.

The Queen’s mobility issues are said to be a continuation of the problems she has suffered since the autumn.

A final decision on whether she should still attend the State Opening is understood to have been taken today.

The Queen is understood to have a busy diary at Windsor this week with a call with Australia undertaken on Monday, and a planned virtual Privy Council and phone audience with the Prime Minister on Wednesday.

She is expected to undertake some private engagements later in the week.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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