Fears for Queen's Health After Rare Statement—'They Don't Normally Do This'

Queen Elizabeth II's health status is "deeply concerning" and goes beyond the mobility problems the public already knows about, a royal expert has told Newsweek.

Buckingham Palace released a statement on September 8, confirming the monarch is comfortable and under medical supervision at Balmoral, in Scotland, but that doctors are "concerned."

The statement read: "Following further evaluation this morning, The Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral."

Royal author Phil Dampier told Newsweek: "The fact that they put out this statement is deeply concerning. They don't normally do this. Up until now, I thought she had mobility issues, problems with her hips and her knees.

"For them to say they are concerned for her health it's obviously more than that. At the end of the day, she's 96 so it is a worry."

Meanwhile, new Prime Minister Liz Truss wrote on Twitter: "The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime.

"My thoughts - and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom - are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time."

Prince Charles, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince William were on their way to Scotland to be by the monarch's side on September 8.

The Duke of Cambridge pulled himself away halfway through his youngest son, Prince Louis' first day at school, at Lambrook, in Ascot, to make the journey up to Scotland.

The move further underlines how seriously the royal family is taking the current health scare.

Leader of the opposition Keir Starmer wrote on Twitter: "Along with the rest of the country, I am deeply worried by the news from Buckingham Palace this afternoon.

"My thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time, and I join everyone across the United Kingdom in hoping for her recovery."

The Speaker of the House of Commons interrupted the day's business to express that his own thoughts were also with the monarch, who marked 70 years on the throne this year.

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, wrote on Twitter: "My prayers, and the prayers of people across the @churchofengland and the nation, are with Her Majesty The Queen today. May God's presence strengthen and comfort Her Majesty, her family, and those who are caring for her at Balmoral."

Meanwhile, royal author Robert Hardman told the BBC: "The palace don't normally issue bulletins on the Queen's health, unless it's significant.

"The last time a statement as it were came out of the blue was to let us know earlier this year that she'd been diagnosed with COVID.

"But on the whole, the view is if she's not undergoing some sort of hospital medical procedure then these are private matters... so clearly the fact the Palace has seen fit to put out a statement is grounds for concern."