Why Prince Charles could step in for the monarch for the first time to deliver the Queen's speech

Prince Charles could step in for Her Majesty to deliver the Queen's speech next week.

• The Queen is suffering ongoing health and mobility issues lately and has taken part in less public engagements.
• This means Prince Charles could step in at Parliament next week.
• This follows royal news that Harry and Meghan could still appear on the Jubilee balcony despite the Queen's ban.

The Queen's Speech, which outlines the Government's key policies and proposed legislation, is always delivered by the monarch in the Lords Chamber of Parliament.

However, with the monarch's ongoing health and mobility issues, many are wondering if her son, Prince Charles, could break royal tradition and fill in for her instead on Tuesday.

According to the MailOnline, the Queen, 96, is still expected to attend "with tweaks" but a contingency plan has been put in place for Charles to step in at the last minute if the Queen is unable to attend.

Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace has said the Queen "plans to attend" the event but that this would be confirmed on the day.

This wouldn't be the first event the Queen has missed in recent times; the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey and the annual Royal Maundy church service went ahead without the monarch.

And Buckingham Palace has already announced this week that several of the Queen's upcoming appearances this summer will also not go ahead.

Garden parties will be staged from next week for the first time in three years following the pandemic, but the Queen will not be hosting them.

Buckingham Palace said this week, "Her Majesty The Queen will be represented by other members of the Royal Family at this year's garden parties, with details on attendance to be confirmed in due course."

The Queen made a rare public appearance in March when she attended the memorial service for her late husband, Prince Philip, at Westminster Abbey.

However, instead of arriving through the same public entrance as other members of the Royal Family, an alternative route was put in place for Her Majesty.