The public has seen their first glimpse of Queen Elizabeth in almost 8 weeks as she appointed Britain’s new prime minister in an official engagement.
Rather than taking place at Buckingham Palace as per tradition, the ceremony was held inside the green-carpeted drawn room at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
The monarch was supported by her walking cane as she invited Liz Truss, Her Majesty’s 15th prime minister in her 70-year-reign, to form a new government.
Despite Her Majesty looking lively and happy during the meeting, people were quick to spot the large bruise on the Queen’s hand, reigniting concerns about the monarch’s health.
ITV’s royal editor Chris Ship said the bruising was a sign of changing times in the Queen’s advancing years.
“I’m no medic but it could be some form of cannula that the Queen’s had, we are guessing,” Ship told Today.
“Buckingham Palace never tells us about her ongoing medical conditions. She’s 96 years old. A frail lady, let’s be clear. And queen of advancing age.
“We’re going to get used to the constitutional diary having to be changed to suit the needs of an ageing monarch.”
The decision to call outgoing leader Boris Johnson, and his replacement, to Balmoral was taken due to the Queen’s comfort.
Reports claim that the Queen has been advised against excessive travelling, having reportedly endured “a change in the past few weeks” in her mobility, The Telegraph UK reports.
Image credits: Getty Images
This article first appeared on OverSixty.