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The Queen has been forced to cancel her Trooping the Colour birthday parade in London for a second year because of the Covid pandemic.
Her Majesty, 94, was planning to hold the annual event in the capital on June 12 to mark her official birthday.
But after consulting with the government and other parties it was today confirmed the parade has been cancelled.
Plans are now being considered for an alternative event that could take place in Windsor instead where the Queen has been isolating during the pandemic.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said today: “Following consultation with Government and other relevant parties it has been agreed that The Queen‘s Official Birthday Parade, also known as Trooping the Colour, will not go ahead this year in its traditional form in central London.
“Options for an alternative Parade, in the quadrangle at Windsor Castle, are being considered.
“The annual Garter service, usually held in June, will not take place this year.”
STRIPPED BACK CELEBRATIONS
It is the second time the royals have been forced to cancel the event due to the pandemic.
Last year, the Queen beamed as she enjoyed a stripped-back and socially distant Trooping the Colour ceremony in honour of her birthday.
For the first time in 125 years, the ceremony took place at Windsor Castle where she has been shielding with Prince Philip.
More than 1,700 troops and 400 musicians traditionally perform at London’s Horse Guards Parade in front of huge crowds.
But last year, fewer than 100 Welsh Guards participated in a private parade.
It was previously reported the Queen had invited Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to her 95th birthday celebrations in the first royal reunion since Megxit.
Trooping the Colour is usually held in public with Meghan previously joining other royals – including Kate Middleton – on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
But the proposed plans were made before the royal family were plunged in crisis following the couple‘s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Prince Philip is also recovering from his longest-ever stint in hospital where he underwent surgery for a pre-existing heart condition.
This article originally appeared in The Sun and was republished with permission
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