A historic change of schedule.

For the first time in 60 years, Queen Elizabeth II will not deliver the traditional throne speech in the British Parliament on Tuesday, due to her difficulties in getting around, being replaced by Prince Charles.

The 96-year-old monarch had previously missed only twice in her 70-year reign this solemn appointment of British democracy, where she sets out the government's program in a ceremony with great fanfare.

She had been absent in 1959 and 1963, when she was pregnant.

It is also the first time that she has been replaced by the Prince of Wales, heir to the crown, a sign of the gradual transfer of her tasks to her eldest son who has already represented her abroad for several years.

“Episodic mobility problems”

"The Queen continues to have episodic mobility issues and, after consultation with her doctors, has reluctantly decided not to take part in the Speech from the Throne," Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Monday evening.

“At the request of Her Majesty and with the agreement of the competent authorities, the Prince of Wales will read the Speech from the Throne on her behalf, together with the Duke of Cambridge [Prince William, grandson of the Queen, second in the order of succession to the throne] also present,” the palace said.

Important detail, Prince Charles, 73, will not take his place on the throne, which will remain empty.

He will sit in his usual place.

Sign, for the

Daily Mail

that the queen "is still really in control".

“But make no mistake, this is a historic moment for the Crown,” the newspaper commented.

The queen had already given up in recent years to wear her heavy crown for this very codified ceremony which must begin at 10:30 GMT.

His absence on Tuesday raises questions about his participation in the platinum jubilee celebrations in early June, marking his 70-year reign.

"Let's hope she can get the necessary rest in time for the Platinum Jubilee because she cannot be replaced on the palace balcony enjoying the festivities with millions of Britons," the

Sun

's royal correspondent said .

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