The more the hours pass, the more the hopes dwindle. This Thursday, September 8 around noon local time, Buckingham Palace released a statement regarding Elizabeth II’s declining health: “Following a further assessment this morning, the Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended that she remains under medical supervision.” That the doctors themselves take the time to express their concerns is already rare, but one fact is even more worrying: that of the gathering of the closest members of the royal family to the queen after this announcement.
The Queen’s children, Princes Charles, Andrew, Edward and Princess Anne, quickly went to Balmoral Castle to be with their mother. Just like Prince William, who will inherit the throne after the death of his father Prince Charles, as well as Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, present on British soil for charity events which they will not attend. However, a great figure of the monarchy is still missing: Kate Middleton.
The Duchess of Cambridge is still in London. Not because she doesn’t want to meet Meghan Markle or because she’s at odds with the queen, but for her children. This Wednesday 7, George, 9, Charlotte, 7 and Louis, 4, returned to school accompanied by their parents. An event all the more important as they discovered their brand new school after their move! This Thursday 8, they, like all the other students, went to school and have not yet left. It could therefore be that Kate Middleton is waiting for George, Charlotte and Louis to have finished their day to join everyone at Balmoral.
The hour is serious for the British royal family. If at 96, Elizabeth II still recently achieved the feat of making public appearances, ensuring meetings and royal obligations, her health, weakened by the death of her husband Prince Philip in April 2021 and the contracting Covid-19, forced her to take some rest and take it easy. Several events on the sidelines of his platinum jubilee this year were also marked by his last-minute absence, advised by doctors. A medical body even more worried today…