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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Ffion Lewis & Ellie Kemp

BBC Royal editor says Buckingham Palace statement about Queen is 'very significant moment'

The BBC's Royal editor has said Buckingham Palace's recent statement on the Queen's health is 'a very significant moment.' Nicholas Witchell gave an insight into Her Majesty's condition after a statement was released on Thursday (September 8).

Buckingham Palace issued a statement earlier today, saying: "Following further evaluation this morning The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision." It added that the Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral.

The Queen's immediate family members have been informed and are heading to Scotland, with the latest announcement escalating fears for the 96-year-old monarch's health. The head of state pulled out of a virtual Privy Council on Wednesday after doctors ordered her to rest.

Read more: Queen Elizabeth under medical supervision with Princes Charles and William called to Balmoral - updates

The BBC are running a rolling special news programme running till at least 6pm on Thursday to provide updates on the Queen's condition, reports WalesOnline. Explaining the significance of the Palace's statement, BBC's Royal editor Nicholas Witchell said: "I think this is clearly a very significant moment.

"For all of the reasons that we have been saying over the last hour or so. The fact that the palace, which doesn’t usually comment on the state of her health or the progression of her wellbeing.

"The fact that it is saying that the doctors are concerned, though they say she remains comfortable at Balmoral. The fact that immediate family members are gathering at Balmoral.

"Prince Charles who is of course staying at the Balmoral estate at Birkhall, he’s traveling over and has been regularly going to see his mother while he’s been staying there. The fact that I think says the most is the fact that Prince William is flying up to Balmoral from the south. So I think, all in all, this is a very sombre moment.

"I think as politicians are saying there is a profound concern. I think it was Nicola Sturgeon who used that phrase and I think that is absolutely right and other politicians echoing that sentiment. Hoping for the best but, let's be completely candid now, braced for the worst."

The nation's longest-reigning monarch has ongoing mobility issues and looked bright but frail and used a walking stick during Tuesday's historic audience with Ms Truss, which followed a visit from outgoing prime minister Boris Johnson as he tendered his resignation.

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