THE QUEEN has “ruled out using a wheelchair” and “still hopes” to attend Prince Philip’s memorial, but aides are scrutinising her schedule.

It comes after Buckingham Palace announced she would be unable to attend today’s Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey due to illness. Staff at the Palace were concerned about how “comfortable” she would be travelling to London from Windsor and then spending up to an hour at the event.

According to sources, the 95-year-old monarch is not ill and is “as committed to her duties of state as she has ever been.”

Senior royal aides, however, are thought to have accepted how old age has caught up with Her Majesty.

“The Royal Family understands the important role investitures play in recognising service and celebrating people’s contributions to society, and there has been a real push to catch up on the backlog created by Covid restrictions,” they continued.

“The Prince of Wales, Princess Anne, and the Duke of Cambridge have led the charge.” It’s easy to imagine them continuing in that vein, but I wouldn’t rule out Her Majesty performing smaller or one-time investitures.”

Due to her frailty, the Queen has also been unable to walk her beloved corgis. She hasn’t been able to take them out at Windsor Castle in six months, and it’s feared she won’t be able to do so again.

The memorial service for Prince Philip will be held on March 29 at Westminster Abbey.