A royal expert is sounding the alarm, saying new photographs of Queen Elizabeth II show the beloved monarch ‘disappearing before our eyes’.
Daniela Elser wrote an op-ed for Australian outlet News.com.AU on Friday, saying footage of the Queen greeting New South Wales Governor Margaret Beazley in the UK last week was “nothing less than alarming”.
Snaps show the 96-year-old royal in a bright yellow dress as she smiles and shakes hands with the Australian politician inside Windsor Castle.
Elser says the images are unremarkable until compared to photographs taken of the Queen in similar attire in June 2021, when she met former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
“The difference is truly startling,” writes the royal expert. “Over the next 12 months Her Majesty would appear to have become noticeably more stooped, much leaner and overall appear to have shrunk.”
The Post has sought comments from the Queen’s communications secretary.
Elser noted that “almost every month” since last October the Queen has had to “step back from previously non-negotiable events” and speculated that the full extent of her health issues are being kept under wraps.
“The helpers are in a delicate situation,” said the expert. “They can hardly come out and offer the press a running commentary on anything that might be sick [the queen].”
However, Elser claimed the royals needed to be somewhat transparent as they risked looking ‘squirrel-like and secretive’, especially as the family’s image has taken a hit amid the recent scandal. of Prince Andrew.
Indeed, the Queen’s health has been in the headlines since October last year, when she was seen using a cane for the first time in 17 years. An insider said at the time that the aid was for his “comfort”.
Her Majesty was hospitalized later that month and consequently canceled a trip to Ireland before resuming royal duties.
In May, however, a statement from Buckingham Palace revealed that the Queen would “reluctantly” miss a royal engagement due to “mobility issues”. The decision was made in “consultation with his doctors”, according to the palace.
Last week the Queen missed Royal Ascot for the first time since his coronation seven decades ago.
She also pulled out of events earlier this month due to feeling “unwell” during the massive Platinum Jubilee festivities celebrating her historic 70 years of service.
While attending the Trooping the Color Parade, she missed the National Thanksgiving Service and only attended the Platinum Jubilee pageant as a hologram.
“While I may not have attended every event in person, my heart is with you all; and I remain committed to serving you to the best of my abilities, supported by my family,” she said in a statement delivered at the Jubilee. “I have been inspired by the kindness, joy and relatedness that has been so evident in recent days, and I hope that this renewed sense of togetherness will be felt for many years to come.”