ROYALSInside Queen Elizabeth II's Ailing Health Since Losing Husband Prince Philip
Mar. 28 2022, Published 1:34 p.m. ET
From COVID-19 to a stay in the hospital, Queen Elizabeth II has been dealing with a variety of health issues in recent months.
Following the death of her husband, Prince Philip, last year, all eyes have been on the 95-year-old monarch as she continues to experience setbacks in her health.
After stepping out for her late husband's funeral in April 2021, Her Majesty has been very vocal about her sorrow over his death — but her health complications have been less publicized by the palace as of late.
In October 2021, the Queen was seen using a cane for the first time in years, sparking concern over her current condition.
She later spent a night in the hospital on October 20, where she received "preliminary investigations," although the palace didn't divulge any further details about her condition.
At the time, a statement claimed the Queen was "in good spirits," following her night in the hospital, and she was instructed to rest for at least two weeks.
The following month, she was forced to cancel another series of appearances, including the Remembrance Day ceremony on November 14, which she missed after spraining her back.
Just days after the cancellation announcement due to her back pain, Prince Charles made a statement about his mother's condition, letting the public know she was doing "alright."
"Once you get to 95, it's not quite as easy as it used to be," he said at the time, while quipping: "It's bad enough at 73."
The Queen then canceled her annual Christmas lunch as a result of climbing COVID-19 cases, leading her to spend her first Christmas as a widow with Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles by her side.
As OK! reported at the time, Christmas celebrations ended up being "a bit of a struggle," for the Queen, "And not being able to spend it with her whole family [didn't help]," an insider revealed. Nevertheless, "She's not one to wallow in self-pity and kept her chin up."
In February, the Queen was able to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee, the 70th anniversary of her Accession in 1952, where she announced that Camilla will be given the title of Queen Consort after the Queen passes and Charles assumes the throne.
But her health took a turn again later that month after the Queen tested positive for COVID-19.
At the time, the palace announced she was experiencing "mild cold-like symptoms" and was planning to "continue light duties at Windsor over the coming week."
"She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines," the statement continued.
Her family members at the time called the situation a "hugely worrisome scenario," considering the Queen's age. An insider spilled that her family wishes she "wouldn't push herself so hard" during this "terrifying time" amid the pandemic.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that the Queen was no longer able to walk her dogs because of her health condition. "She is not well enough," a source revealed of the monarch, who hasn't walked her beloved corgis since her October 2021 hospitalization.
It then came to light that the "frail" Queen was "largely confined" to using a wheelchair, causing her to cancel multiple events. "She doesn't want to be seen, she's very proud," an insider dished, although Prince Harry and Prince William's grandmother was later spotted standing on two feet during an engagement at Windsor Castle on March 24.
As reported by Mirror, the Queen was using a walking stick, which is believed to be the same cane her late husband used, to handle her mobility problems.
Amid rumors that she may not be able to attend Philip's memorial because of her condition, the Queen recently purchased a $80,000 luxury golf cart to bring her around.
"Her Majesty is struggling with stiffness in her legs, so the cart is a perfect solution to getting her around," a source stated, as OK! learned. "She’s been through a lot of physical battles recently with Covid and her back sprain, which would take its toll on anyone — let alone someone who turns 96 next month."
