New fears for Queen, 96, after she cancels Balmoral ceremony

Monarch will miss events for first time in decades

- RUSSELL MYERS

THE Queen's traditional welcome to Balmoral Castle has been axed, prompting fresh fears for the 96-year-old's health.

Her Majesty had been due to attend the ceremony in Aberdeenshire tomorrow but it was cancelled recently and swiftly replaced with a "small, private event".

We understand that until just days ago she was still intending to be there.

It is the first time in decades, apart from the pandemic, that she will not greet well-wishers at the gates to mark the start of her annual holiday.

A royal source said: "The traditional welcome to Balmoral is normally cemented in the Queen's calendar and something Her Majesty really enjoys, being able to greet locals who travel to see her.

"It's a bitter disappointment the ceremony will not take place in its traditional form."

Other sources suggested the alternative plan was "very much a sign of things to come". Buckingham Palace last night moved to dampen concerns over the monarch's health, insisting the private ceremony was "in line with adapting Her Majesty's schedule for her comfort".