LONDON – Queen Elizabeth II was unable to attend Sunday’s remembrance service at the Cenotaph war memorial on Whitehall in London, due to spraining her back, according to a statement by Buckingham Palace.

It was due to mark her return to public duties after being advised by doctors to rest, having stayed overnight in hospital last month.

The queen, 95, was represented at the event by other royals, including her son and heir to the British throne Charles, Prince of Wales.

The statement by Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen, having sprained her back, has decided this morning with great regret that she will not be able to attend today’s Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph. Her Majesty is disappointed that she will miss the service.

“As in previous years, a wreath will be laid on Her Majesty’s behalf by The Prince of Wales.

“His Royal Highness, along with The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, The Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra will be present at the Cenotaph today as planned.”

The queen also missed the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow that finished on Friday, although she did record a video message.

The queen is known to attach great importance to the annual remembrance service and has only previously missed them due to travel for foreign duties or, as in 1959 and 1963, due to pregnancy.