ITV has suspended its scheduled programming for Thursday afternoon amid concerns for the Queen's health. The channel's planned shows will be cleared at 5pm with an ITV News special airing indefinitely.
TV news website TVZ tweeted just before 5pm: "BREAKING: ITV to suspend programming at 5pm with an #ITVNews special airing indefinitely on ITV (News will air for as long as needed - no set time decided), TV Zone understands."
Regular broadcasting at the BBC was also interrupted during Bargain Hunt on Thursday following the announcement, as a BBC newsreader confirmed: "Welcome to viewers on BBC One. We have had news from Buckingham Palace that the Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral."
Read more: BBC's Royal editor explains why Buckingham Palace's statement about the Queen is so serious
The rare statement issued on the Queen's health said she remains comfortable, is staying at Balmoral and is not in hospital. The statement said: "Following further evaluation this morning The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision."
Senior members of the Royal Family have travelled to Scotland to be by her side. 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 Liz Truss, which followed a visit from outgoing prime minister Boris Johnson as he tendered his resignation.
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