(Jonathan Brady/Pool Photo via AP)
Queen Elizabeth is taking a step back during her four-day Platinum Jubilee celebration.
The palace announced on Thursday that the Queen was feeling “some discomfort” after the busy Trooping the Color celebrations. The message shared that the monarch would not be attending the National Service of Thanksgiving in her honor at St. Paul’s Cathedral on Friday. She did, however, still plan on participating in the beacon lighting ceremony on Thursday evening.
“The Queen greatly enjoyed today’s Birthday Parade and Flypast but did experience some discomfort,” a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
“Taking into account the journey and activity required to participate in tomorrow’s National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral, Her Majesty with great reluctance has concluded that she will not attend,” the statement continued.
“The Queen is looking forward to participating in tonight’s Beacon lighting event at Windsor Castle and would like to thank all those who made today such a memorable occasion.”
A source close to the royal family shared with PEOPLE that the Queen’s mobility issues flared up during the day on Thursday. She was seen using her cane on the palace balcony as she viewed the flypast with other members of the royal family.
The Queen has faced challenges with mobility in recent months and finds it difficult to stand for extended periods of time. She’s been using a walking cane to assist her when needed. She recently made a joke referencing her mobility issues during an in-person meeting. “Well, as you can see, I can’t move!” she joked at the time.