Dominic Raab would deliver the Queen's Speech if she is unable to attend the State Opening of Parliament on May 10, protocol suggests. The Deputy Prime Minister would fill in for the monarch in his role as Lord Chancellor.
An alternative plan would see Prince Charles take his mother's place and read the Queen's Speech on her behalf, according to The Sun. The newspaper reports backup plans have been drawn up in case she cannot attend.
The speech – delivered by the Queen in the House of Lords but written by the UK government – will set out the Conservatives' agenda for the next parliamentary session. It will likely include bills to tackle the cost of living squeeze, establish a new energy strategy and clear backlogs caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
