First EVER glimpse of life with King Charles as Queen forced to axe major speech

Withdrawal from State Opening of Parliament sparks fresh health fears

THE Queen will miss the State Opening of Parliament for the first time in 59 years due to her worsening mobility problems.

She made the shock call to pull out after speaking to her royal doctor. Prince Charles, 73, has been granted powers to deliver the televised speech alongside Prince William in a historic change to protocol.

The dramatic withdrawal has sparked fresh fears for the Queen’s health a month before her Platinum Jubilee party.

Buckingham Palace confirmed Her Majesty, 96, will not be at today’s ceremony in Westminster because of “episodic mobility problems”.

She has instead issued a royal decree allowing son Charles, 73, and grandson William, 39, powers to act in her place for one day only.

They will now “jointly” open the new session of Parliament on her behalf as Counsellors of State.

The Queen’s absence marks the first time since 1963 she has failed to attend the State Opening, and only the second time ever.

Her throne will sit empty and it is understood the Imperial State Crown will travel to Parliament though Charles will not wear it.