The Queen off sick.

[DontBiteTheBoobThatFeedsYou]

I hope they aren't down playing anything.

I know she is 95 but I hope she really is as ok as they are saying she is.

She's number four in the "chart" of longest reigning monarchs ever.

Currently at 69 years 256 days.

Louis XIV is top at 72 years 110 days.
Then Rama IX of Thailand, and Johan II of Lichtenstein.

It'd be quite good if she beats him but another 2 years 7 months might be pushing it.

7 months and she'll be in the top three, which is a bit more achievable.

I've noticed she looks a lot frailer than she used to. At the opening of the Scottish Parliament she was quite doddery getting into her car, and she dropped the pen when she was signing a document.

There has been a major row in Ireland about attending that meeting and the leader there said months ago he would not go. Causing major tension between north and south. So, her being sick and not being able to go is probably a good idea tbh. If she was there I think it would totally kick off in the press there.

Diana dying was extremely sad because she was young and had young children.

When the Queen dies it won't be unusual or noteworthy from that angle, but I think more people will feel a more heartfelt loss. If you think the scenes of sobbing grief and mountains of flowers were excessive when Diana died then brace yourselves for when HM has had her time.

@Smashingspinster

There has been a major row in Ireland about attending that meeting and the leader there said months ago he would not go. Causing major tension between north and south. So, her being sick and not being able to go is probably a good idea tbh. If she was there I think it would totally kick off in the press there.

Honestly, @Smashingspinster, surely you see the difference between the British HoS attending a service to commemorate partition and the Irish HoS doing so?

Err, yes @Clandestin. Surely you see that something which lead to tension between northern and southern Ireland and is focused on the queens presence may make it better for her not to attend? Or do you just want to be condescending for no good reason?

I’m hoping she’s okay too.

I think she's avoiding the partition ceremony and using "medical advice" as a gentle excuse.

The Orincess of Wales dying was a shock, because it was unexpected

The Queen's death won't be a shock in that sense, but it will send a different type of shock wave because it's the end of an era, and a big moment in history. And a change to sense of national identity

She's the most recognised person on the planet, and it's hard to really believe she won't be around forever.

@Smashingspinster

Err, yes *@Clandestin*. Surely you see that something which lead to tension between northern and southern Ireland and is focused on the queens presence may make it better for her not to attend? Or do you just want to be condescending for no good reason?

Northern and Southern Ireland?

I too thought she had lost weight recently. Her coats look a little baggy on her.
Not surprising if she has.
I hope she perks up again soon.

ItsJustTheOneSwanActually

Yes I thought she's lost weight too. What a year I do hope she's ok.

I'm totally in awe of her still horse riding at the age of 95!

I haven't read all the posts so apols if I'm repeating a PP, but someone on another thread thought it might be a diplomatic way of not going because of the current heightened security risk due to it being the 100th anniversary of NI.

@MrsFin

I haven't read all the posts so apols if I'm repeating a PP, but someone on another thread thought it might be a diplomatic way of not going because of the current heightened security risk due to it being the 100th anniversary of NI.

I think that’s the most likely explanation.

Said she had a busy few days , had a meeting online and had dinner with a few people

I think that she is looking frail. I don't think I will ever forget how she looked at PPs funeral. She looked so lost.

She takes her duty so seriously. I wonder if she's holding out until the Jubilee, with all the plans and such made, and then will just fade away.

I hope that she is happy with a hotwater bottle and a box set.

Is retirement not allowed, or abdication? Maybe she knows where all the bodies are buried, and wants to die with them!

But on a more serious note, I wish her well but am in no doubt that it was a diplomatic decision re NI situation. I do realise that NI is part of Britain, but perhaps Loyalists/Unionists may have glorified the planned service with her there, and raised the ire of the Nationalists. Just a guess, and maybe a wise decision also in the long run both for peace and for her health.

I ❤️ you Queen Elizabeth. I hope you feel better soon.

She can retire or abdicate but it is very much not the done thing and she won't.

She completely blew me away when she visited Ireland a few years ago, I’m a huge fan of hers now after that visit. There is a fabulous photo of her visiting the market in Cork on that trip and it says it all. She always gets things right. Amazing woman.
Hope she is doing ok and does the 100!

I think it's more to do with a security issue. She looks well. There aren't many 95 years old who could keep up with her schedule.

Here is the picture of that visit to Ireland:

He apparently said to her when he was showing her an ugly monkfish that they call it ‘the mother in law fish’ and she erupted laughing at that.

Saw this today, Kate and Wills must be panicking that they might actually have to do some work........

@Smashingspinster

Err, yes *@Clandestin*. Surely you see that something which lead to tension between northern and southern Ireland and is focused on the queens presence may make it better for her not to attend? Or do you just want to be condescending for no good reason?

Your terminology alone suggests you have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about, so there’s every reason.