it isa it is a time of approaching 2pm. it is a time of reflecting on the queen's health and of sharing the concern of so many people about the queen's well—being at this stage. so it is 2pm here on bbc news and we are continuing our special coverage. buckingham palace has said the queen is under medical supervision at balmoral castle in aberdeenshire — after doctors became concerned for her health. a palace statement added that the 96—year—old monarch "remains comfortable". that was the wording used. the bbc understands that all her children are either at balmoral, or are travelling to balmoral. the queen's very cherished estate in

aberdeenshire. kensington palace says prince william is on his way. the prime minister liz truss has said "the whole country will be deeply concerned by the news". and she said her thoughts — and those of everyone in the uk — are with the queen and her family. liz truss was of course invited to form a government by the queen on tuesday as the new prime minister. keeping me company as we reflect on what is going on is our royal correspondent nicholas witchell. as we go through this period of the afternoon, i'm aware the —— there will be more people tuning in and wanting to know what is going on so i make no apology forjust recapping on what we know already, so let's go back to the statement, when did that come in? �* ,.,

back to the statement, when did that come in? ~ ' ::, back to the statement, when did that come in? ~ ' :: , ~ come in? about 12:20pm, i think. that is significant, _ come in? about 12:20pm, i think. that is significant, of— come in? about 12:20pm, i think. that is significant, of course, - that is significant, of course, because contrary to what has been the case for the past number of months when buckingham palace has said as little as possible, this is a statement which recorded the concern of the royal doctors for the health of the queen, saying she remains comfortable at balmoral, the statement told us. but it is interesting that buckingham palace felt it necessary to issue a statement because at that point a lot of rumours were going around, all sorts of rumours, so this statement confirmed the fact that people are concerned, doctors are concerned and then we learn that family members are travelling to balmoral. then prince william and other members of the family, all of the children of the queen, prince william was in scotland,... —— the

fact he is making the journey from the south, and the duke of wessex also travelling up. all the principalfamily also travelling up. all the principal family members feeling necessary and have been advised that it is necessary to travel to balmoral, i think that says everything, really. it is, as the prime minister has said, the whole country will be deeply concerned and i think we must assume that there are reasons for that deep concern. there has been this gradual deterioration in the health of the queen over the past few months and no sharp and sudden deterioration but i think clearly of the past 24-48 but i think clearly of the past 24—48 hours, the doctors have become rather more concerned and it comes back to this issue that we were discussing a moment ago regarding this mobility issue or whether there is or has been something else, and i think we can be candid, there have

been rumours of cancers but no, of course, confirmation and one would not expect to be because there is an insistence by members of the royal family that is reflected by royal officials that these matters are private that it does not matter who you are, you are still privy to private patient culture daily allergy —— private patient confidentiality. there was an overnight stay in hospital among visits, the overnight stay on the night of october 20 when i say that was the moment this all changed. the previous day, she had been at a reception at windsor castle, quite normal, full of energy, speaking to people, but then the following day, the visit to northern ireland was cancelled at very short notice with officials already going to northern ireland and i think what happened then was there had been a fall at windsor and she was brought in to

king edward vii hospital, the palace trying to do it privately and secretly, she stayed overnight and we are told there was preliminary investigation is taking place but ever since that moment, it is clear that the health of the queen had taken a new direction. there had been a change in her health. she was ordered or asked by her doctors to undertake only light duties. she missed remembrance sunday. there were of course a number of virtual audiences so she was continuing with the duties, constitutional duties as head of state. having conversations with the prime minister, hosting an audience by phone or virtual linkup so all of that continued. there was no let up from the red boxes, they were continued and she completed the paperwork, she went to the royal windsor horse show early in may and

seemed quite good health wise. i talk to people who were close by her then and she was very much enjoyed it, very sort of keyed in to everything that was going on. she opened the elizabeth line, rather to the surprise of people that were suggesting she may not have been able to get to that, on the 17th of may but she the monday service and the statement of parliament, because theseissues the statement of parliament, because these issues were said to have been may be just a little too much. then of course to balmoral in early or mid july and clearly that is a very favourite place for her and that is a place where she has been able to relax but there she has been seen out in the grounds, there have been photographs of her walking the dogs out in the grounds, she has been doing the paperwork, receiving visitors... visits from members of herfamily so for all visitors... visits from members of her family so for all intents and purposes, aside from the mobility issue, which is ever present, there

was no visible sign of any sharp deterioration in her health was that she was unable to come to london, much as she had wanted to, for the appointment of the new prime minister so the prime ministers went to balmoral a couple of days ago. but we are in the situation where we await further news from buckingham palace. in a state now where i think we should be concerned, deeply concerned, for her health. you made reference there _ concerned, for her health. you made reference there to _ concerned, for her health. you made reference there to the _ concerned, for her health. you made reference there to the fact _ concerned, for her health. you made reference there to the fact that - reference there to the fact that balmoral is very much a cherished home of the queen and members of the royalfamily, so many happy memories there full stop some of the viewers, indeed, over the past few weeks have been asking just the obvious question, may be, which is that the queen clearly had health problems going back several months but the decision was made to leave windsor and go to balmoral where the summers

are traditionally spent. that would have been the queen's decision, her insistence that, despite the health problems, she still wanted to go there? i problems, she still wanted to go there? ~' ., u, there? i think the royal medical household _ there? i think the royal medical household would _ there? i think the royal medical household would have _ there? i think the royal medical household would have made - household would have made arrangements and she would have been assured that they would have been able to manage whatever the situation was, they would have been able to manage it at balmoral though we never know quite what arrangements or contingency plans are put in place but i think we can rest assured that they would have been put in place. i think there is no suggestion of moving her to hospital, it would be the aberdeen royal infirmary which is a 45 mile journey, as i was mentioning, from balmoral into aberdeen, could be done by helicopter but perhaps at this stage i would imagine that... orfor it would this stage i would imagine that... or for it would be for any of us to imagine what would be her wish but you would imagine she would prefer to stay at her home in balmoral in these cherished surroundings which she has known since she was a child,

where she was very much relaxed and it is a tranquil setting, she will be in her room, she will have her family around her, she will have whatever medical attention is necessary because i'm quite sure that that is there at the royal doctors' disposal. white might will pose for a second because i would like to talk to my colleague. —— we will pose for a second because i would like to talk to my colleague. let's talk now to our royal correspondent damian grammaticas. maybe you can tell us a little bit more. , ~' maybe you can tell us a little bit more. , ~ ., , maybe you can tell us a little bit more. , ~ .,, ,, �* maybe you can tell us a little bit more. , «a, �* , more. yes, i think as you've been hearin: , more. yes, i think as you've been hearing. what _ more. yes, i think as you've been hearing, what we've _ more. yes, i think as you've been hearing, what we've heard - more. yes, i think as you've been hearing, what we've heard is - hearing, what we've heard is from across the political spectrum and across the political spectrum and across the political spectrum and across the country, very similar wishes and concerns being expressed by all. the announcement from buckingham palace here came through as the political leaders of all

parties were here in parliament with the government debate, liz truss outlining her energy plans. of course, liz truss had just been on tuesday in balmoral where the queen had invited her to form a government. we saw those very unusual arrangements which you were just talking about, where political leaders borisjohnson just talking about, where political leaders boris johnson first travelled up there to tender his resignation and serve followed him to be invited to form a government. after the news came through during the debate, we've heard the response from all of these figures, south liz truss, the prime minister, putting out a statement saying the whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from buckingham palace this lunchtime and adding that her thoughts and he thought of people across the united kingdom are with her majesty the queen and her family. sir keir starmer, leader of the opposition, saying along with the opposition, saying along with the rest of the country, i am very

worried about the news coming from buckingham palace and my thoughts are with her majesty the her family at this time and i join everyone across the united kingdom in wishing and hoping for her recovery. the leader of the liberal democrats greg davey again repeating those statements that thoughts are with her majesty the queen and her family as we all hope and pray for a full recovery and then from around the united kingdom so we sought nicola sturgeon, first minister of scotland, saying that all of us are feeling profound concern at the reports about her majesty's health. the first minister of wales mark drakeford saying the same, best wishes to the family of the queen from the people of wales. and also

search jeffrey from the people of wales. and also searchjeffrey donaldson, the leader of the democratic unionist party saying thoughts and prayers and those of the democratic unionist party with her majesty and her family at this time. so united in concern, united in concern for her family. damian grammaticas. are corresponded at buckingham palace. and that is the latest for you at 2:12pm on the 8th of september and that is the entrance to the queen's estate in aberdeenshire, balmoral castle, an estate she is familiar with. having a lifelong affection for it, and that is where the queen is, we are told, resting, and is comfortable, but her medical team having expressed concern atjust after midday today about the state of her majesty's health, so we are

reporting on the latest developments there as they come. any further statements that are made and indeed bringing you news that close members of the royal family are either there at balmoral as we speak or they are certainly on their way, and they include the prince of wales, the include the prince of wales, the include the prince of wales, the include the duke of cambridge and we understand the duke and duchess of sussex who are in the uk at the moment so i'm told that they, too, are making their way to balmoral along with the princess royal and the earl of wessex, and the duke of york, so the children will be there with their mother and the doctors giving an assurance that the queen is being kept as comfortable as possible, getting all the attention that you can imagine but all of this, of course, will not really is a big to people given the queen's

great age of 96 and of course a catalogue... an increasing number of health issues and health problems over the past few years, and then of course in recent months, lots of meetings and planned events having to be cancelled, some of them at short notice because of what the medical team described as mobility issues and indeed it restricted to what the queen was able to do around her own platinumjubilee her own platinum jubilee celebrations back in her own platinumjubilee celebrations back injune, restricting lots of things in the meantime but lots of the images we have had of the queen recently are very much like these, where the queen seems very businesslike and very happy to conduct meetings and to greet guests, whether they are senior military figures or diplomatic guest, or political

guests or indeed the weekly audience with the prime minister which is a traditional meeting, so the queen has been very much trying to get on with her work, she takes it very, very seriously, and it's been a notable characteristic of the rain. —— of the rain. —— of the reign. continuing her father's way of doing things being diligent and of service, and promising at a very young age to be of service all her life however long or short it would be, and it's turned out to be a very long life and she is 96 and those engagements that she has been able to fulfil, she certainly has, even if she has taken a walking stick at some point and routinely walking stick at various moments during some of the visits to a hospital and as

we look at these images and nicholas mitchell is with me, it has been remarkable that the queen has been able to undertake as many of these given what we now know about the struggle she is having. —— and nicholas witchell is with me. yes. nicholas witchell is with me. yes, continuin: nicholas witchell is with me. yes, continuing to _ nicholas witchell is with me. yes, continuing to do _ nicholas witchell is with me. yes, continuing to do these _ nicholas witchell is with me. was continuing to do these things well into her 90s. we see these images. at windsor and then heading up to balmoral as well. but we see from these images there was a significant weight loss which i think struck people from the queen's christmas broadcast and many thought or speculated following the death of a spouse may people do decline and lose weight, does have an impact on their own health and she lost her beloved husband in april of last year, just those two months short of his 100th birthday after those 73

years of marriage and though she was very stoic, as you would expect her to be, and took it in her stride, i'm quite sure that privately it will have been a significant blow to her and will not have helped her own health or her own mental well—being and her determination to continue fulfilling her duty as she has done and had done for so many decades but she did because that, above anything, is what is important to her, so she continued seeing as many people as possible via those virtual audiences during the lockdown, the pandemic, when she was forced to meet people and greet people via virtual calls and it showed a different and new side to her which was really rather endearing, and a sense of her rather dry sense of humour and we were not used to

listening into audiences such as that but we did and she was out and about as much as she could be but missing some of the significant moments which normally are fixed points in the royal year, the state opening of parliament, remembrance sunday and maundy thursday. increasingly, the prince of wales, the heir to the throne, has stepped up the heir to the throne, has stepped up and be more publicly apparent in deputising for her and he has been very much aware of that and you know he is in his 70s himself but clearly he is in his 70s himself but clearly he has stepped up as ended other members of the family have on the other aspect which will have been quite difficult for her of course in recent months would be family difficulties and we can only imagine how painful they would have been for

her. the difficulties with prince andrew and the continuing difficulties with the sussexes would be draining for a person in their mid—90s who would hope she would be able to relax. you would hope she would be able to cope with these and it is very difficult, of course it has. how could it not be? more --eole has. how could it not be? more people wanting _ has. how could it not be? more people wanting to _ has. how could it not be? more people wanting to contribute i has. how could it not be? more people wanting to contribute to j has. how could it not be? more people wanting to contribute to the narrative today, and we now have cardinal vincent nichols, head of the roman catholic church in england and wales, and he hasjust issued this statement. i am concerned, says cardinal nicholls, to hear the news about her majesty the queen's hell. i offer my prayers for her family and may the blessings of the lord strengthen and comfort her, so an

expression there from cardinal nichols and offering his prayers for the queen and the family and, as we werejust underlining, more the queen and the family and, as we were just underlining, more and more of the family gathering at balmoral, at the queen's side. there is the main entrance to the estate and what we are seeing today is close members of the family are either there already, including the prince of wales who was at his residence not far away, wales who was at his residence not faraway, but wales who was at his residence not far away, but also including the duke of cambridge who has made his way up and the sussexes, as mentioned earlier, also on their way, but close members of the family of the queen, and we have a statement from the chief rabbi who is also keen to express his concern.

more of those expressions of concern coming in and i will bring them to you as we receive them. the queen, as we know, is patron of the royal commonwealth society which is a network of individuals and organisations committed to improving the lives and prospects of commonwealth citizens right across the world. i am pleased to be joined by the chair of the royal commonwealth society on a day that is of concern to everyone watching. can i ask you first of all for your response to the report about the queen's health today?—

response to the report about the queen's health today? well, we at the r0 al queen's health today? well, we at the royal commonwealth - queen's health today? well, we at the royal commonwealth society i queen's health today? well, we at i the royal commonwealth society and i'm sure all will be sending our best wishes for the swift recovery of her majesty. she is indeed the head of that and celebrates 70 years of that this year. i'm sure everyone in the uk and around the world wishes the very best for the queen and herfamily and they wishes the very best for the queen and her family and they are sending their thoughts throughout this time. dr yueh, for those who are unfamiliar with how the commonwealth works and how stakeholders like a self operate within it, how engaged is the workings of the commonwealth and the welfare of commonwealth citizens? ,, , , ., ,., citizens? she is very engaged, so she is the patron _

citizens? she is very engaged, so she is the patron of _ citizens? she is very engaged, so she is the patron of our _ citizens? she is very engaged, so she is the patron of our society, i she is the patron of our society, the royal commonwealth society, which is the oldest charity dedicated to the commonwealth, she is also the patron of around 250 or so other commonwealth charities so in about 800 charities that she is part of, the commonwealth is a large part of, the commonwealth is a large part and i can say on my part, before the pandemic lockdown is, she was very actively, physically actively involved. i met her at least a half—dozen times and at least a half—dozen times and at least once a year for various events such as the events at the abbey which we've organised but also other events which support young people in their community and that is a strong sense of the queen's influence in the commonwealth and the charitable sector, which she is very inspiring and takes the time to make sure those who can do more for their

communities and the commonwealth are supported and indeed are recognised so the queen is a leader of a programme we are a part of, which had the leaders of every young member of 5a commonwealth countries. she spends the time, even into her 90s, making sure the values of service are instilled in young people so every time we do an event, we often get asked to make sure there are young people there to continue to do more for the commonwealth and for the world, so my strong senses that she has made a massive difference at the official level and diplomatic circles but what has struck me is how committed she is on a personal level to the

people and it is those people links in the commonwealth that make it all simply —— possibly unlike any other international network. simply -- possibly unlike any other international network.— simply -- possibly unlike any other international network. important to underline that, _ international network. important to underline that, the _ international network. important to underline that, the queen - international network. important to underline that, the queen in - international network. important to underline that, the queen in terms| underline that, the queen in terms of setting foundations for the future has made it very clear that part of the legacy will be, whenever thatis part of the legacy will be, whenever that is materialised, will be very much a continued commitment to the progress of the commonwealth. yes. progress of the commonwealth. yes, ve much progress of the commonwealth. yes, very much so — progress of the commonwealth. yes, very much so and _ progress of the commonwealth. 1s: very much so and because progress of the commonwealth. isis very much so and because of her mobility issues, the last time i saw her was at the commonwealth service in march 2020 before lockdown and obviously, since lockdown, they have all been more virtual but her mobility issues have meant even as she has restarted engagement, she is no longer able to travel to the commonwealth heads of government meeting and the prince of wales who will be the next head of the

commonwealth certainly carried her message when i was there, including achieving a project that she personally launched in malta when he heads of government met which was every commonwealth country protecting the piece of forestry and that was announced as completed by prince charles and it is this ability of prince charles and also the duke of cambridge and other members of the family to pick up, to continue to support some important work the queen has been dedicated to doing in the environment and with all of this, it is this 70 years of the commonwealth that she has been head of the commonwealth and i think it has made a massive difference and i'm sure the young people in particular that she has inspired during this time, maybe some of whom

have gone on to do incredible things and i think that is why the focus on young people and the royal family's commitment to the wealth means that this kind of work means it continues everyday. —— the royalfamily�*s commitment to the commonwealth. important to outline that contribution to the commonwealth. thank you to dr yeuh. let's go to balmoral where the queen is resting and doctors are looking after her health and my colleague is there. what is going on as we speak? the heavens what is going on as we speak? tue heavens have opened what is going on as we speak? tij: heavens have opened in the past ten minutes or so, perhaps reflecting the gloomy atmosphere here at balmoral. it is all quiet here, as

you can see. this is a fairly regular scene in a september outside balmoral with the queen in residence. police at the gates but the slight difference is, of course, in the past ten minutes or so, they have been taking out barriers to try and i guess create some space between the gates and the well—wishers that have arrived. there are around 20 well—wishers here to see what is happening. that announcement obviously from buckingham palace earlier this afternoon which said, following further evaluation this morning, the's doctors are concerned for her health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision, saying the queen remains comfortable here at balmoral and as you've been seeing, —— as you've been saying, the queen as you're at balmoral on her annual summer stay and has been here sincejuly, having come here a lot, the statement from buckingham

palace is very unusual as we do not tend to get an update on the queen's health on a regular basis. we of course heard when she had covid and her then she started using a walking stick regarding her mobility issues. the statement we've heard today from buckingham palace about the concerns for the queen's health is quite significant and we know prince charles is already here along with his wife camilla, they are with the queen here at balmoral and we know william, the duke of cambridge, is on his way here and we expect him to arrive anytime from now, and we know the duke and duchess of sussex are on their way here to be with harry's grandmother. let me take you through some of the events of this week because balmoral has been the scene of quite a lot of activity this week, it was here that the queen appointed the new prime minister liz truss, a breakfrom tradition appointed the new prime minister liz truss, a break from tradition as usually the queen would carry out this occasion at buckingham palace

but it was decided that she would not travel to london, she would stay here at highland home and would receive the outgoing prime minister borisjohnson along with the new prime minister liz truss at balmoral and then of course the photographs of that occasion that we saw in balmoral castle itself of the queen looking bright but perhaps frail, she was carrying a walking stick but she was carrying a walking stick but she was carrying a walking stick but she was smiling, she looked happy and we have known for some time she has been suffering from those mobility issues, and then of course we learned that virtual meeting of the privy council which had to be cancelled yesterday evening fairly a last minute because of concerns that the queen needed to rest, she was advised by doctors to rest, after what they call is quite a full day on tuesday. she was of course unable to attend the braemar gathering on saturday. she is patron of that gathering and she rarely misses that event, she is usually fond of this event, she is usually fond of this event and people love seeing her

there but she was unable to attend because of those mobility issues and herson, prince because of those mobility issues and her son, prince charles, stood in for her. this all, of course, takes us to today, standing once again outside balmoral and you would expect there has been widespread reaction from across political parties, from prominent figures. prime minister liz truss singh the whole country will be deeply concerned by the news, saying her thoughts in the thoughts of people across the uk with the queen and her family. the archbishop of canterbury said his prayers are with her majesty. "my prayers, and the prayers of people across the church of england and the nation, are with her majesty the queen today. may god's presence strengthen and comfort her majesty, herfamily, and those who are caring for her at balmoral."

thank you for the latest. we are reflecting, of course, on the queen's health and the fact that there has been an expression of concern by her medical team, which has sparked all of this coverage and the concern of many people beyond balmoral about what is going on there. the fact that the members of there. the fact that the members of the close family are making their way there or they are there already. let's get more from our health correspondent, hugh pym. this phrase mobility issues has been used quite frequently in the past few months. people then tend to speculate or have their own ideas about what that might mean. what guidance can you give? that about what that might mean. what guidance can you give?— guidance can you give? that is riuht. guidance can you give? that is right. interestingly, _ guidance can you give? that is right. interestingly, it- guidance can you give? that is right. interestingly, it wasn't l right. interestingly, it wasn't mentioned in the statementjust an hour or so ago from buckingham palace, which mentioned the concerns of doctors and the fact that the

queen was under medical supervision at balmoral. there is a suggestion may be not least the fact that the palace very rarely makes comments like this about the queen's health that there is an underlying issue that there is an underlying issue that we don't know about in addition to her mobility issues, which is the real cause for concern. as we have been hearing, she was unable to take part, felt she was unable to take part, felt she was unable to take part in the virtual privy council meeting. she missed the braemar gathering, the highland games near balmoral. she has been seen in public over the summer including the opening of the elizabeth line at paddington and the royal windsor horse show a couple of months before. mobility has been an issue. possibly reluctance to be involved in lots of public events that involve walking or standing still but the tone of the day's announcement does suggest concern,

serious concern, really, amongst her doctors. she is said to be comfortable at balmoral. we don't know the full implications of that, that can mean different things in medical terms. as has been said, the fact that senior members of the royalfamily arejoining her at royal family are joining her at balmoral mac royalfamily arejoining her at balmoral mac shows their degree of concern and anxiety. the balmoral mac shows their degree of concern and anxiety.— balmoral mac shows their degree of concern and anxiety. the images we are seeinu concern and anxiety. the images we are seeing are _ concern and anxiety. the images we are seeing are of — concern and anxiety. the images we are seeing are of a _ concern and anxiety. the images we are seeing are of a visit _ concern and anxiety. the images we are seeing are of a visit to _ concern and anxiety. the images we are seeing are of a visit to the - are seeing are of a visit to the hospital where the queen was using a walking stick from time to time but smiling broadly and meeting some of the medical staff. the still image we had of the queen's meeting with the new prime minister liz truss, the new prime minister liz truss, the audience where she invited liz truss to form a government, that image, of course, has been studied in a lot of detail, not least because there was a mark on the queen's hand and that prompted a lot of speculation, too. again, what guidance can you give on that? there was a lot of—

guidance can you give on that? there was a lot of speculation _ guidance can you give on that? there was a lot of speculation about - was a lot of speculation about whether this might or might not, we simply don't know, imply an underlying condition of circulation issues. she certainly looked frail in that meeting with liz truss, as she invited the leader of the conservative party to form a government. it would have been a very tiring day that day. and seeing borisjohnson very tiring day that day. and seeing boris johnson before very tiring day that day. and seeing borisjohnson before as he tendered his resignation as prime minister. but, yes, there has been speculation for the last 48 hours, particularly in the light of that cancellation of her appearance, virtually, and the privy council, which she certainly would have wanted to take part in, given the appointment of the new prime minister. but the statement from buckingham palace certainly shows a degree of anxiety about the queen's condition. she has been in very good health, remarkably good health, for all of her 96 years. there are many conditions affecting

frail, older people, affecting mobility. she did have back and knee problems going back a decade or so ago and needed treatment for that but she has been in remarkably good health. there is this concern right now amongst her doctors with her at al murao. a , now amongst her doctors with her at al murao. , ., now amongst her doctors with her at al murao-_ -- - now amongst her doctors with her at al murao._ -- with - now amongst her doctors with her at al murao._ -- with her| al murao. many thanks. -- with her at balmoral- — al murao. many thanks. -- with her at balmoral. we _ al murao. many thanks. -- with her at balmoral. we have _ al murao. many thanks. -- with her at balmoral. we have a _ al murao. many thanks. -- with her at balmoral. we have a statement i at balmoral. we have a statement from the former— at balmoral. we have a statement from the former prime _ at balmoral. we have a statement from the former prime minister. at balmoral. we have a statement i from the former prime minister said tony blair who has been saying a few things about the developments today. this is from sir tony blair. deeply concerning to hear today's news from buckingham palace. my thoughts and prayers are with her majesty the queen and herfamily prayers are with her majesty the queen and her family at this worrying time. tony blair adding his voice to the are the voices including cardinal nicholas and the

chief rabbi and prime minister liz truss, the chief rabbi and prime minister liz truss, delayed a labour sir keir starmer and nicola sturgeon and mark drakeford, the first minister of wales. —— the labour leader. and saying that their prayers are with the family at this time. still with me is our royal correspondent nicholas witchell. nick, for those people who are now tuning in and watching what is going on, i have conveyed some of the concerns that some of the political and religious leaders have been expressing. what are you picking up? at the moment, wejust have expressing. what are you picking up? at the moment, we just have to wait. there is no further news. the mood is, undoubtedly, sombre, there is serious concern. that is reflected in the statement of prime ministers past and present and first ministers and religious leaders. everybody is reacting to the same set of facts and those facts really speak for

themselves. the fact, most pointedly, i think, themselves. the fact, most pointedly, ithink, and most expressively is the fact that the family are gathering. the family are, in some cases, making the long journey up to bow moral to be by the queen's bedside —— balmoral mac to be by the queen's side. her doctors have now said there is concern for her health. that is the first time they have said as much publicly and that speaks for itself also. under the head of the medical household of professor hugh thomas have clearly beenin professor hugh thomas have clearly been in close attendance throughout this summer, throughout this time. i am quite sure they will have made all the contingency arrangements so that she can receive whatever treatment she needs within balmoral without having to take her to

aberdeen royal infirmary. all those services are within balmoral castle. there will be doctors and nurses in attendance on a permanent basis. it brings us back to this question of what is the cause of the health concern? is it merely the mobility issue? mobility issues don't generally end a life. it is only a suspicion must be, as it has been for a number of months, that there is some underlying condition. we saw the significant weight loss that was evident in the christmas broadcast that had taken place really over last autumn after this sharp change in circumstances, october the 20th, cancellation of the visit to belfast and everything has unfolded since that date. the light duties, the less visible monarch the forced

cancellation of some of the fixed points in the constitutional year. the state opening of parliament, the remembrance service and so on. inevitably it is legitimate to wonder whether the mobility issue has been used as a little bit of a smoke screen by buckingham palace. episodic mobility issues. perhaps thatis episodic mobility issues. perhaps that is gout, which, as we were saying, is very painful and debilitating and could be a reason for the inability to go out in public as much. quite apart from the fact that she is 96. a vehicle coming out of balmoral. what one must wonder is whether there has been something else happening health—wise. been something else happening health-wise.— been something else happening health—wise. yes. that is the cause health-wise. yes. that is the cause of them saying _ health—wise. yes. that is the cause of them saying today that they are concerned for her health. though, of course, they do say that she is comfortable at balmoral. and we must

hope that she is able to rally and recover from whatever episode it is that caused the cancellation last night of the virtual privy council meeting. was it simply that she was having to rest after a full day, two audiences with the outgoing and incoming prime ministers? or is there just... incoming prime ministers? or is therejust... has the incoming prime ministers? or is there just... has the gradual deterioration in health now reached a significant moment? has the frailty really increased to the point where she is perhaps now bedridden. where herfamily are gathering at that bedside around her? ~ ., gathering at that bedside around her? , , gathering at that bedside around her? , . her? more expressions of concern cominu her? more expressions of concern coming in- — her? more expressions of concern coming in- this — her? more expressions of concern coming in. this is _ her? more expressions of concern coming in. this is from _ her? more expressions of concern coming in. this is from the - her? more expressions of concern | coming in. this is from the muslim council of britain. the muslim council of britain. the muslim council of britain saying... there will be lots of people uniting

with that wish. that is the muslim council of britain. lets join the former royal correspondent and currently the associate editor of the daily telegraph, camilla tommy. it is good to have you with us, although it is in worrying circumstances. can you share with us anything you have been hearing today? it anything you have been hearing toda ? , ., a today? it is in line with what nick witchell has _ today? it is in line with what nick witchell has just _ today? it is in line with what nick witchell has just spoken - today? it is in line with what nick witchell has just spoken to - today? it is in line with what nick witchell hasjust spoken to you i witchell has just spoken to you about, really. on one hand, journalistically there is a desire to find out what exactly has gone on while balancing that with the privacy of a woman who is undoubtedly known to everybody in this country as our greatest public servant. therefore, she is entitled to privacy concerning health matters. it is probably right that we don't know some of the details at this stage of what exactly she is suffering from. but i think these times are looking ominous, her

family are rushing to balmoral, some travelling quite great distances in a short time. to have the unprecedented nature of a statement from buckingham palace talking about the concern of doctors for her majesty's health. and indeed to have these scenes that played out in the house of commons earlier where, clearly, nadhim zahawi the chancellor of the duchy of lancaster was instructed to interrupt the statement to inform prime minister liz truss and others of the state of play, i don't think the palace would have taken that measure if it wasn't thought it needed to be urgently flagged. your viewers now, i am reflecting with a degree of worry, like your viewers, and sadness that the royal family have like your viewers, and sadness that the royalfamily have had like your viewers, and sadness that the royal family have had together at the queen's bedside like this. were talking as well about the cancellation of the virtual meeting of the privy council yesterday. that followed, of course, the audience with liz truss and borisjohnson on

tuesday. again, in terms of what that might have signalled, we were discussing with nickjust now, that could have been, of course, a need to rest after a rather busy day for a woman of 96.— to rest after a rather busy day for a woman of 96.- but - to rest after a rather busy day for a woman of 96.- but the i a woman of 96. yeah. but the inevitable _ a woman of 96. yeah. but the inevitable thought _ a woman of 96. yeah. but the inevitable thought today, i a woman of 96. yeah. but the inevitable thought today, of l a woman of 96. ij::ji but the inevitable thought today, of course, is that the last 2a hours may have brought something of a sharp deterioration.— brought something of a sharp deterioration. , , ~ ., deterioration. possibly. although knowina deterioration. possibly. although knowing the _ deterioration. possibly. although knowing the queen _ deterioration. possibly. although knowing the queen as _ deterioration. possibly. although knowing the queen as we - deterioration. possibly. although knowing the queen as we all i deterioration. possibly. although knowing the queen as we all do, | deterioration. possibly. although i knowing the queen as we all do, she is somebody who likes to keep busy. and it is remarkable she has still been doing things in recent months at the age of 96. to see her photograph in front of that roaring fire in front of balmoral as she prepared to greet the new prime minister and working day—to—day with her red boxes and making public appearances, frankly, it defies belief. somebody who is four years off her centenary, i don't think she would want it any other way, she has

a ways wanted to keep busy. equally, i think to be in balmoral at the moment to make decisions that were made. unprecedented to have liz truss travel to her rather than vice versa. completely fitting of what we are in, which is uncharted territory with a monarch of this age. camilla, thank ou with a monarch of this age. camilla, thank you so — with a monarch of this age. camilla, thank you so much. _ with a monarch of this age. camilla, thank you so much. former - with a monarch of this age. camilla, thank you so much. former royal i thank you so much. former royal correspondent and now associate editor of the daily telegraph. we can have a word withjonathan spangler, historian from manchester metropolitan university who specialises in history and affairs of the monarchy. thanks again for joining us. i am just wondering, could you help us in terms of what this scene today represents? the fact that there is now this official concern for the health of the longest reigning monarch in british history? longest reigning monarch in british histo ? ~ ,, . longest reigning monarch in british

histo ? ~ ~ ., , history? well, i think that very last sentence _ history? well, i think that very last sentence that _ history? well, i think that very last sentence that you - history? well, i think that very last sentence that you said i history? well, i think that very last sentence that you said it l last sentence that you said it really puts a fine point on it. this is one of the longest reigns that we have ever seen. people aren't entirely sure what will happen. although, as we know, there are very, very set protocols that have beenin very, very set protocols that have been in place for many years. many things will be set into motion as they need to be. as a historian, it is something i find they need to be. as a historian, it is something ifind quite interesting, the transition from one monarch to another are always beset with difficulties and anxieties and worries as they are transitional points in our history. similarly with histories all around the world. the monarchy of great britain is still such a significant institution, it really will be quite interesting to see what plays out over the next few days. isole interesting to see what plays out over the next few days.- over the next few days. we are talkin: , over the next few days. we are talking. of _ over the next few days. we are talking, of course, _ over the next few days. we are talking, of course, about i over the next few days. we are talking, of course, about a i over the next few days. we are i talking, of course, about a family. a family that is concerned for the

health of a mother and grandmother and close relative. having to do that really in the full glare of the public publicity that comes with that. the stresses are clear. it is not that they are then used to the glare of public publicity —— they are not used to. it is very much a family that is concerned for the well—being of a loved one. somebody loved notjust by the well—being of a loved one. somebody loved not just by the family well—being of a loved one. somebody loved notjust by the family but by millions, billions, indeed, of people around the world. that is the perspective, isn't it, that changes all of our calculations about what's going on? and the implications of what's going on. again, you can help us in terms of past precedent. when we think about similar circumstances in the past, a very long time ago, transitions can be very problematic things. transitions can be very problematic thins. , . v things. yes, that's right, the history of — things. yes, that's right, the history of any _ things. yes, that's right, the history of any monarchy, i things. yes, that's right, the i

history of any monarchy, whether it is great britain or other european and non—european countries. often very challenging times. every monarch from the history of any monarchy has had to balance the needs of being a public figure with being a private figure. the fact that they have both, the family, has to react as a dynasty and do a public role and private, as you mentioned, this is a grandmother, mother, is often a very difficult balance. in the past, before media really came along and public opinion in the 17th and 18th century, this was maybe a simpler affair because deaths could happen outside of the spotlight. but since the 18th and 19th century certainly, there has been quite a lot of press coverage of these things. within our own more recent history, since the 1960s, the british monarchy in particular has really opened up more of its

activities, its life, its day—to—day life to the media and public opinion. this is unprecedented. but i also think that we live in, happily, in terms of history, more i guess i could say civilised times. really there is no threat of some rogue royal race again to grab the throne. those days are past. we can look to a bit more of a civilised transitional phase.— look to a bit more of a civilised transitional phase. jonathan, thank ou so transitional phase. jonathan, thank you so much _ transitional phase. jonathan, thank you so much for— transitional phase. jonathan, thank you so much forjoining _ transitional phase. jonathan, thank you so much forjoining us, - transitional phase. jonathan, thank you so much forjoining us, doctorl you so much forjoining us, doctor jonathan spanglerfrom you so much forjoining us, doctor jonathan spangler from manchester. for another perspective, we are joined by the royal expert and author of a new book called title case defenders of the faith, hopefully it is a while away. let's talk to the author. good to talk to you, thank you forjoining us today.

again, what are your reflections on the fact that we are simply now looking at balmoral? we are looking at the queen's great estate in aberdeenshire, in the full knowledge that her own medical team have deep concerns about her welfare bester as someone who studied the monarchy in different forms, what are your reflections today? —— about her welfare and as someone. it is reflections today? -- about her welfare and as someone. it is fair to say that _ welfare and as someone. it is fair to say that we — welfare and as someone. it is fair to say that we all _ welfare and as someone. it is fair to say that we all have _ welfare and as someone. it is fair to say that we all have a - welfare and as someone. it is fair to say that we all have a sense i to say that we all have a sense that, to use a phrase in politics some while ago, the tectonic plates are shifting. there is a sense that perhaps we are on the cusp of a new area. many of us will find that quite a disturbing moment. we have relied on the queen for 70 years to bring stability and continuity to this country. we saw that only yesterday with the transition between two prime ministers that she was the dignified part of the

constitution. she was something that said stability to us all as the country underwent great change. if we are seeing the end of her reign, that would be quite a traumatic moment for us all. you must be heading towards 80 yourself to be able to remember any other monarch. and we have relied on her to be there. perhaps some of us have even taken herfor granted. i think this is really momentous for the nation, if we are seeing the era coming to an end. ~ , ., if we are seeing the era coming to an end. ~ ,, if we are seeing the era coming to an end. ~ i. ., if we are seeing the era coming to an end. ~ ., ., , an end. when you look at parallels, when ou an end. when you look at parallels, when you look— an end. when you look at parallels, when you look at _ an end. when you look at parallels, when you look at transitions, i an end. when you look at parallels, when you look at transitions, when | when you look at transitions, when you look at the whole question of the relationship between the royal family, for example, and the church of england as the established church, again, when we talk about transition, what are the questions that bring themselves to the fore

for you? that bring themselves to the fore for ou? ., , ., , for you? one of the things that is very different _ for you? one of the things that is very different for _ for you? one of the things that is very different for us _ for you? one of the things that is very different for us now, - for you? one of the things that is very different for us now, it i for you? one of the things that is | very different for us now, it would have been taken for granted when the queen came to dethrone herself 70 years ago. that everybody was at least nominally anglican. that the church of england was the religion of the country. that is not quite as it was then. we might wonder should that have an impact on the coronation we have, we are a much more diverse nation now in terms of christian denominations and other religions. that is something the queen herself has recognised. and perhaps she was on that than the rest of us. i am —— reminded of her 1952 christmas message when she asked for people of all faiths to pray for her. i think that is a

remarkable thing to have asked in 1952. i think that at this when it seems that perhaps we are now in the period of transition, that request that people of all faiths should pray for her is one that perhaps we should all remember now. this is a moment for people of full faiths to pray for her again. —— people of all faiths. we have such a different nation to the one we had in 52, that how britain responds if we are at that moment of change will be a great challenge. catherine, a final point if we may, we are looking at the images of the entrance to balmoral estate, some comings and goings, they have brought out some of the barriers. for someone like you, who really does try to consider monarchy across a great arc of history, beyond even the longest reign in british

history, it is one of those days where i suppose you begin to look at how the monarchy is this great constant. and that people are ready and very much dependent on it these days. and very much dependent on it these da s. ., ., , days. you are right. it is interesting _ days. you are right. it is interesting to _ days. you are right. it is interesting to look i days. you are right. it is interesting to look back| days. you are right. it is. interesting to look back at days. you are right. it is- interesting to look back at what happened when queen victoria died. the great novelist wrote about this in his diaries, james, he talked about how discombobulated people were and wondered how britain was going to cope. actually, it did cope. along came another monarch, edward vii, who turned out to be a very popular king. we do have a way of having a transition, having a change yet having constancy. having such a long reign, the nation would

find this a difficult moment indeed. particularly as we are in such a period of transition anyway. we have a new prime minister, things seem very fluid. perhaps we have relied on the queen to offer us in this stability at such a difficult and fluid time. stability at such a difficult and fluid time-— stability at such a difficult and fluid time. ., , ., ., ., fluid time. catherine, very good to talk to you. _ fluid time. catherine, very good to talk to you, thank _ fluid time. catherine, very good to talk to you, thank you _ fluid time. catherine, very good to talk to you, thank you for - fluid time. catherine, very good to talk to you, thank you forjoining l talk to you, thank you forjoining us today, the royal author. nicholas witchell, our correspondent, is with me. catherine, of course, making the salient point, which is that we are talking about a monarch who has, for millions of people, represented a big reliable solid constant for decades. ., , ., ., decades. constant in an ever shiftin: , decades. constant in an ever shifting, ever-changing i decades. constant in an ever i shifting, ever-changing world. she shifting, ever—changing world. she has been a source of stability and, for many people, great reassurance. we are reminded of that in the last few days, the appointment of her

15th prime minister. it reminds us of the span of years that she has been there, the changes that have taken place in the united kingdom throughout those 70 years. and every aspect of our lives, cultural, industrial, political, economic. we have come from empire, into europe, out of europe, the commonwealth has taken shape during her reign. something of immense importance to her. she has visited150 countries during her reign and many of those visits were to the countries of the commonwealth. which she said very early on in her reign she would support and do everything she could for the commonwealth. she said in a christmas broadcast in 1953 she would do everything every day of her life. that has been key. without her, i don't think the commonwealth would be the organisation it is today. but it underlines how constant and dependable she has

been. and we must hope will continue to be throughout the 70 years of her reign. it is absolutely true that she has been this anchoring point. and the still and calm centre whilst so much around her has changed. a focus for national identity and community. she has represented those best of qualities, hasn't she? she has represented beauty and decency and dignity. those are really have been many of the hallmarks of this remarkable rain, remarkable reign which continues. —— remarkable reign. nothing furtherfrom reign. nothing further from buckingham reign. nothing furtherfrom buckingham palace and we had no reason to expect there will be. let's just wait and see whether further news does emerge, once the immediate family members have arrived at balmoral. there seems to

be a lot of vehicles coming out of bound moral estate but we haven't noticed very many going in. —— coming out of balmoral estate. tia. coming out of balmoral estate. no. we will keep _ coming out of balmoral estate. no. we will keep watching. to draw on that point of continuity, interesting to talk to younger people in recent weeks, they have been focusing a little more on this remarkable figure of the queen. far more than they have in the past may be. and realising with some great surprise that the queen really has been around since just after the second world war. and for lots of young people, this is a interference remarkable notjust to people who are in some age today, but also to people whose notion of what is old and old—fashioned different. she

people whose notion of what is old and old-fashioned different. she is the embodiment _ and old-fashioned different. she is the embodiment of— and old-fashioned different. she is the embodiment of so _ and old-fashioned different. she is the embodiment of so much i and old-fashioned different. she is the embodiment of so much of- and old-fashioned different. she is the embodiment of so much of our| the embodiment of so much of our history, isn't she? she represents the nation's history to herself and she represents the nation to the wider world and she has that link with that greatest generation, if you like, of the second world war. she was part of the armed forces as a member of the territorial service. she never saw action, obviously, but she did join she never saw action, obviously, but she didjoin up, she never saw action, obviously, but she did join up, she wanted to do her duty and at the age of 18, she did. she recognises and identifies very closely with the armed forces and particularly with that wartime generation. the d—day veterans, the others who served during the second world war. because she went through it. of course, she witnessed her father, george vi, the wartime king and the impact it had on him. she knew winston churchill.

and he was herfirst prime minister, the first 15. of continuity, prince charles is at balmoral, he will be at his mother's side, he is already the oldest, longest serving heir apparent in british history so he is there, whatever is the outcome of there, whatever is the outcome of the present concerns about the queen's health, charles is there, we've seen him standing in so much more, deputising for her in recent months and when ultimately he does take to the throne, it is an extraordinary fact that he will be the oldest person to become king in british history. that is the situation at the moment. we await any further news but, at the moment, there is nothing further of any certainty that we can say. earlier, we were talking _ certainty that we can say. earlier, we were talking about _ certainty that we can say. earlier, we were talking about the i certainty that we can say. earlier, i we were talking about the queen's

great adherence to the protestant faith. the fact she took a serious status as head of the anglican union and this is a statement from the anglican communion today, from the office of the anglican communion, we join with anglicans around the world in praying for queen elizabeth ii and herfamily. the queen as head of state of 17 countries and has been head of state of others during her life. she is also head of the commonwealth. all of these areas are served by one or more of the 42 churches of the anglican communion. we pray for god wasn't present to strengthen and support in the queen, they say, and the...

—— we pray for god's present to strengthen and support in the queen. concerns expressed by doctors working with and for the queen at balmoral, the queen's estate in aberdeenshire and we are told the queen as comfortable, that she is being cared for, of course, by the best medical experts that you can possibly imagine and that is exactly as one would think appropriate. the family gathering there and as our royal correspondent nicholas witchell was saying earlier people will draw their own conclusions from the fact the prince of wales and the princess royal, duke of york, the earl of wessex, the duke of cambridge, the duke and thus plead back —— met the duke and duchess of sussex as well we believe are due to

arrive. that is the entrance to the estate, the queen is being kept as comfortable as possible. there has been no bulletin apart from the one that we are currently reporting some two hours and 30 minutes ago which was to say that doctors now had their own concerns, more concerns about the state of the's health. she was under constant supervision but they felt it necessary to express their concern there. nicholas witchell is still with me, our royal correspondent, as we look at these images of the main entrance there at balmoral and i think the issue now is to, as you say, patiently wait and sympathise with those who are clearly going to be in a state of great concern and distress. yes. peole

great concern and distress. yes. people will _ great concern and distress. yes. people will take _ great concern and distress. yes. people will take this _ great concern and distress. yes. people will take this very, i great concern and distress. i:3 people will take this very, very personally, won't they? because clearly there is reason for great concern and people will find that i think even quite disorientating, the thought that the queen's life may be moving into its final chapter, we do not know, but clearly the facts, as with in saying, do speak for themselves. the fact that all of her children, the cambridge rural and sussexes are travelling to balmoral. —— the cambridges and sussexes. i understand buckingham palace is not expecting to say anything more at this stage, there have notably been rumours of statements at this hour or that our or whatever but there is nothing imminent, iam or that our or whatever but there is nothing imminent, i am led to

believe. they will update us as and when they have something to say. it is not clear, unless anyone else has spotted convoys going in, it is not clear whether those other members of the family, on the basis they would have been alerted later this morning, and organising flights takes a bit of time, it is 90 minutes up to aberdeen and the road journey from aberdeen so it is unclear whether those family members, the children, if you can call them that, have actually arrived at our moral. they will not necessarily going to be the main gate, there are many entrances into balmoral and if they want to going privately, they would obviousl be able to do that but that is the situation and we await any further news. —— if they want to go in privately, they would obviously be able to do that. but the concern felt by millions of people around the world because whether you are a monarchist or not, we know not

everyone is, i think most people would concede that this is a monarch who had gained the widest respect for the dutiful way in which she has fulfilled her role for these 70 years and many people will feel a great personal concern at this moment at the thought that just possibly this longline may be drawing to a close but we shall have to wait to see. we drawing to a close but we shall have to wait to see-— to wait to see. we will wait for a statement _ to wait to see. we will wait for a statement if _ to wait to see. we will wait for a statement if there _ to wait to see. we will wait for a statement if there is _ to wait to see. we will wait for a statement if there is a _ to wait to see. we will wait for a | statement if there is a statement when it comes. let's go from balmoral to the queen's home in central london, buckingham palace, and are political correspondent is there. damian grammaticas, maybe you can remind me of what has been being sent by political leaders. yes. can remind me of what has been being sent by political leaders.— sent by political leaders. yes, the statement came _

sent by political leaders. yes, the statement came through - sent by political leaders. yes, the statement came through as i sent by political leaders. yes, the i statement came through as parliament was sitting, the prime minister was sitting there, and there was a debate on going about the current energy crisis, so the prime minister, sir keir starmer, fairly quickly the spread through the commons, there were briefings that were given, the speaker made an announcement and what we've heard then our statements from all of those political leaders, so i can just give you a flavour. from the prime minister liz truss, saying the whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from buckingham palace this lunchtime, saying her thoughts on the thoughts of people across the united kingdom were with her majesty the queen and herfamily at this were with her majesty the queen and her family at this time, very similarfrom the leader her family at this time, very similar from the leader of the opposition sir keir starmer, leader leader —— labour leader. saying my thoughts are with her majesty the queen and herfamily thoughts are with her majesty the queen and her family and thoughts are with her majesty the

queen and herfamily and i enjoy her company. sir ed davey, leader of the liberal democrat, saying he hopes and prays for a full recovery and then from around the country, too. we've heard from nicola sturgeon, first minister in scotland, all of us feel profoundly concerned at reports of her majesty's hell. my thoughts and wishes are with the queen and all the royal family at this time. the first minister in wales mark drakeford expressing his concern and saying he sent his best wishes. from northern ireland, so jeffrey donaldson, saying my prayers are with her majesty and the queen as well and as you've been hearing, the queen through the whole length of her reign has had 15 prime ministers now, the most recent of course invited by her, liz truss, just to form a government at the

beginning of this week on tuesday. we've been hearing from some of those prime ministers, too, with tony blair tweeting it's deeply concerning, today's news, my thoughts and prayers are with the queen's family and david cameron as well, i send queen's family and david cameron as well, isend my queen's family and david cameron as well, i send my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to her majesty the queen and prayers to her majesty the queen and the royalfamily and prayers to her majesty the queen and the royal family at this worrying time, he said. so some of those who had daily or weekly interactions as prime minister coming to the palace, a constant throughout that, throughout political life of the nation. all of whom expressing their deep concern as that news came through from the palace. . ,, as that news came through from the palace. ., ~j ,, as that news came through from the palace. ., ~ i. ., palace. thank you, damian grammaticas _ palace. thank you, damian grammaticas at _ palace. thank you, damian l grammaticas at buckingham palace. thank you, damian - grammaticas at buckingham palace. and just a bit more, here is the welsh first minister mark drakeford

who has been watching with concern, he said in cardiffjust now, i should begin byjust reflecting on the news published through buckingham palace earlier today, an afternoon of sober reflection and anxiety for households across wales and beyond and of course we are wishing all sympathy and understanding with members of the royalfamily understanding with members of the royal family who understanding with members of the royalfamily who are understanding with members of the royal family who are gathering at balmoral. that is the welsh first minister mark drakeford, the latest in the line of political leaders who have been expressing their concern today, the royal standard flying there above balmoral castle in aberdeenshire showing that the queen is in residence and very much is the emblem of royal authority and power, and that is really the symbol that has been very familiar to those people in that part of scotland for summers going back to the 1950s and

before then because it's a favourite location of the royal family and it has been a lifelong passion of the queen to spend time in balmoral and to enjoy its landscapes around their and the great beauty of the countryside and it has been a great tradition for the family to spend lots of time together during the summer at balmoral which, of course, goes back to the decision just a a few weeks ago to move from windsor and to uphold the tradition of spending time at balmoral despite the fact of course that the queen's health problems were causing issues around mobility and indeed around the ability to fulfil some engagements but the queen was clearly determined not to break with tradition and to spend some time in the lovely surroundings there in aberdeenshire and that is why the queen is in residence there in early september, so that is not a surprise in that sense, the queen was my

affection for it is well established and of course it is not windsor and nicholas witchell is with me. i suppose windsor would be counted as the home. , , ., ., the home. yes, it is her favourite workplace. _ the home. yes, it is her favourite workplace. as _ the home. yes, it is her favourite workplace, as it _ the home. yes, it is her favourite workplace, as it were. _ the home. yes, it is her favourite workplace, as it were. balmoral, | the home. yes, it is her favourite l workplace, as it were. balmoral, of course, is always the summer residence where she can relax insofar as it is possible to relax when you've got red boxes and paperwork arriving every day but i think she would, as you say, have been absolutely determined to go to balmoral, going up on the 21st of july, and would have been expecting normally to return south, to windsor, sometime next month when the royal calendar resumes with remembrance time up till christmas and all that sort of thing but, yeah, i think psychologically it would have been a great refreshment to her to go to balmoral to the

bracing atmosphere in the scottish highlands there and you do feel as though you are a little bit away from it all when you are there. that would have been very attractive to her. i'm quite sure her officials and doctors would have recognised, of the boost of morale it would be for her to be in balmoral where she is at the moment. we for her to be in balmoral where she is at the moment.— is at the moment. we can have a look at what is going _ is at the moment. we can have a look at what is going on _ is at the moment. we can have a look at what is going on in _ is at the moment. we can have a look at what is going on in windsor. i is at the moment. we can have a look at what is going on in windsor. what i at what is going on in windsor. what is going on there? can you update us on any developments at windsor castle? ~ . ., on any developments at windsor castle? ~ _, .,, on any developments at windsor castle? ~ .,, i. ., castle? welcome as you mentioned, the queen was _ castle? welcome as you mentioned, the queen was in _ castle? welcome as you mentioned, the queen was in windsor— castle? welcome as you mentioned, the queen was in windsor and i castle? welcome as you mentioned, the queen was in windsor and left i castle? welcome as you mentioned, | the queen was in windsor and left in july to go to balmoral, where she traditionally spends her summer months, so that was when she was last here. here at windsor the news are starting to trickle through,

people just starting to learn about the news following that statement that we had from buckingham palace, probably worth just repeating to viewers who are perhaps justjoining us, that statement which came in at about 12:20pm from the palace to say that the queen... the queen's doctors are concerned about her health and that she is now under medical supervision, just distress though, in the statement, it also went on to say that the queen is comfortable. we have spoken to some people here in windsor and the umbrellas are up, it's been raining all afternoon. this, of course, is full of tourists normally what the weather i think has put people off. someone had said she heard about the news about the queen's health and wanted to be here from west london and we've also heard the news is also reaching people who are inside

the castle in terms of the grounds, tourists learning about the news as they come out of the castle. the queen has made wynn's or her main residence and it is one of her favourite homes. she pretty much remains here in windsor, you will remember, since the first lockdown. backin remember, since the first lockdown. back in 2020. this is where she has spent much of her time but we've been talking, haven't we, all afternoon, hearing from nick witchell and other guests regarding the statement from buckingham palace. we've seen in the past and you will know this, that they do not tend to give a running commentary about the queen's health. they very much see her health as a private matter but i think it is significant, they have released a statement, doctors are concerned about her health, added to that, we are seeing this afternoon members of

the royal family either already at balmoral or travelling there, if you put all that together i think there is real concern and anxiety about how the queen is.— is real concern and anxiety about how the queen is. thank you very much. how the queen is. thank you very much- that _ how the queen is. thank you very much. that is _ how the queen is. thank you very much. that is the _ how the queen is. thank you very much. that is the view _ how the queen is. thank you very much. that is the view at - how the queen is. thank you very | much. that is the view at windsor. we are going tojump over to downing street, if we can, because i think our political editor chris mason has arrived at downing street. we saw the message of concern earlier from the message of concern earlier from the new prime minister liz truss who of course they'd see the queen a couple of days ago. what is downing street telling you? a, couple of days ago. what is downing street telling you?— couple of days ago. what is downing street telling you? a profound sense of concern here _ street telling you? a profound sense of concern here in _ street telling you? a profound sense of concern here in downing - street telling you? a profound sense of concern here in downing street i of concern here in downing street and more widely in parliament. i was watching proceedings in parliament just a couple of hours ago as that debate was under way, talking about energy prices and it was clear, prior to the public statement from buckingham palace, that something serious and profound was happening because notes were passed along the front benches to the prime minister andindeed

front benches to the prime minister and indeed to the deputy leader of the labour party, angela rayner, as sir keir starmer was on his feet at the time and indeed to the speaker of the house of commons, sarah lindsay hoyle, and it was shortly after that that the statement was made. —— sir lindsay hoyle. liz truss saying of her concern and saying the concern of people across the united kingdom would be with the queen and herfamily. and as the united kingdom would be with the queen and her family. and as you said, the new prime minister saw the queen at balmoralfor said, the new prime minister saw the queen at balmoral for that day that lies at the heart of the british constitution, the knitting together of monarchy in parliament, and government, with the transference of power. one of the many roles that lie at the kind of sanctity of the monarch, dealing with governments that come and go, and showing those

private moments that prime minister vvss of the past have reflected on. —— prime ministers of the past. so many international statesmen and women over the decades, that they could use her as a sounding board in those weekly audiences, knowing, like pretty much any other political conversation they might have, that it would not leak and really was private, and tapping into that wisdom that would not be matched by any other figure in the world. looking at the range of views from the house of commons and beyond, there is a spectrum of views about monarchy and the place of monarchy in british public life. i suppose the thing about her majesty the queen is that there are people there who are staunch republicans who

nonetheless can fully respect the queen and her sense of duty, and sense of service.— queen and her sense of duty, and sense of service. yes, that capacity by longevity — sense of service. yes, that capacity by longevity to _ sense of service. yes, that capacity by longevity to transcend _ sense of service. yes, that capacity by longevity to transcend broader l by longevity to transcend broader views about the monarchy because you have to be on around 70 years of age, more than that, to have any knowledge first hand and awareness of being alive with somebody else upon the throne, so whilst the vast majority of members of parliament are pro the idea of a monarchy and of course there are some who think an alternative government structure would be wise, but even amongst them, and they are a minority, there is a vast well of support for and respect for the queen because of that longevity, because of that scale of time in office, because she is such a pivotal figure in the contemporary history of britain. many thanks for now. chris mason

there in downing street. we are looking at images here of balmoral, the entrance to the estate in aberdeenshire where the queen is being cared for, where her health is causing some concern to her doctors, and close members of herfamily on the way, and that would speak for itself. we were talking to royal correspondence here with nicholas witchell, and for those catching up with the news, this is something that will be spreading throughout the country as people get more and more aware of what is going on. we are in a position where we are quite rightlyjust having to wait patiently to see what happens, if there is another bulletin, it may signal an improvement, there is another bulletin, it may signalan improvement, it there is another bulletin, it may signal an improvement, it may not, but we are in a position where we have to wait. but we are in a position where we

have to wait-— have to wait. yes, and it is far from clear _ have to wait. yes, and it is far from clear whether _ have to wait. yes, and it is far from clear whether there i have to wait. yes, and it is far from clear whether there willl have to wait. yes, and it is far. from clear whether there will be anything further from buckingham palace in the short term. one would imagine they would feel the need to give some sort of an update given the level of concern there is, this profound sense of concern as chris was describing at a moment ago and that would reflect what political leaders and other religious leaders are saying, the mood is very sombre, there is the serious concern brought about by the wording of the palace statement most unusually expressing concern on the part of the queen's doctors and there has clearly been some change in the state of health that has brought about that concern by the doctors and most markedly, the fact that all other members of the fact that all other members of the royal family are gathering at balmoral, that all of her children, the prince of wales, or the duke of rothesay as he is known in scotland, have been staying at birkhall, so a shortjourney.

the duke of york is making his way, so is the earl of wessex and again significantly the duke of sussex and the duke of cambridge are travelling up, so they will have been advised that this is a moment when their presence is necessitated, it is appropriate for them to be at balmoral castle, to be with the queen, so i think that really tells us everything in a sense that we need to know, it explains why there is this very sombre mood among politicians and others who presumably are being advised, downing street must be presumably are being advised, downing street must he being advised by the queen's private secretary about what is happening there. ——

sir edward young. and there must be concern about what is happening there. we concern about what is happening there. ~ , ., , ., concern about what is happening there. ~ , ., ,, .,, there. we believe not everyone has arrived as you _ there. we believe not everyone has arrived as you have _ there. we believe not everyone has arrived as you have suggested, - there. we believe not everyone has i arrived as you have suggested, there are some still on their way so one imagines they will be there fairly soon having been alerted a couple of hours ago, three hours ago now. we will see if we can spot some members of the family who have not made it so far arriving. while we do that, let's bring in a royal historian and author from toronto. let's bring in a royal historian and authorfrom toronto. thank let's bring in a royal historian and author from toronto. thank you for waiting to talk to us. what are your reflections today as we talk in these terms and terms of concern about the queen's health?- these terms and terms of concern about the queen's health? there was about the queen's health? there was a ureat about the queen's health? there was a great deal — about the queen's health? there was a great deal of _ about the queen's health? there was a great deal of concern _ about the queen's health? there was a great deal of concern regarding - a great deal of concern regarding the queen's health notjust in the

united kingdom but in the wider commonwealth as the queen has taken a wider role as head of the commonwealth extremely seriously and has become the most well travelled monarch in history, so she is a familiarfigure in canada, familiar figure in canada, australia, familiarfigure in canada, australia, new zealand, the various caribbean and south pacific realms and the wider family of commonwealth republics as well so that transition from a british empire through to the modern commonwealth of equal nations is very much unfolded over the queen's lifetime so she is a figure of global significance and notjust of global significance and notjust of british significance. we of global significance and not 'ust of british significancei of global significance and not 'ust of british significance. we are 'ust lookin: at of british significance. we are 'ust looking at images i of british significance. we are 'ust looking at images offi of british significance. we are 'ust looking at images of the i of british significance. we are just looking at images of the queen i of british significance. we are just i looking at images of the queen just a couple of days ago greeting the new prime minister liz truss and inviting her to form a government. the queen smiling, looking rather frail, it must said, but smiling and looking very engaged, and just

reflecting what you're saying they're about the commitment, not just course to the uk but the wider commonwealth family. this has been something that the queen has been fully engaged with since she came to the throne really, this has been a 70 year project. the throne really, this has been a 70 year inject-— 70 year pro'ect. yes, we see the le . a 70 year pro'ect. yes, we see the lea of 70 year project. yes, we see the legacy of king — 70 year project. yes, we see the legacy of king george _ 70 year project. yes, we see the legacy of king george vi, - 70 year project. yes, we see the legacy of king george vi, the . 70 year project. yes, we see the l legacy of king george vi, the first monarch to hold the title as head of the commonwealth, and the future queen elizabeth ii made herfirst overseas visit with her parents and younger sister princess margaret, to south africa in 1947, so the queen has been travelling and has been this significant figure in the wider world for a very long time, since the age of 21, and she has attended almost all of the commonwealth heads of government meetings and significantly in 2018 when the commonwealth leaders agreed that it

would be prince charles who would be the next head of the commonwealth, because where is the role of the commonwealth that had to be agreed upon, and it really shows the respect for the queen that her wishes concerning the future of the commonwealth were very clearly ta ken into consideration regarding the succession to the commonwealth and how that will unfold. i’m succession to the commonwealth and how that will unfold.— how that will unfold. i'm 'ust wondering. i how that will unfold. i'm 'ust wondering, at i how that will unfold. i'm 'ust wondering, at this i how that will unfold. i'm just wondering, at this point, - how that will unfold. i'm just | wondering, at this point, just how that will unfold. i'm just i wondering, at this point, just in terms of the international perspective, beyond the commonwealth, if you like, of the queen's status, the queen's contribution, the queen's presence on the global stage because, as you rightly say, it's notjust the british experience, it's notjust a very big commonwealth experience, it's on the global experience as well and just help us with that notion and may be how that

perception of the monarch has changed as well.— perception of the monarch has changed as well. perception of the monarch has chanced as well. , ., , changed as well. yes, we have seen the queen as _ changed as well. yes, we have seen the queen as one _ changed as well. yes, we have seen the queen as one of— changed as well. yes, we have seen the queen as one of the _ changed as well. yes, we have seen the queen as one of the most - the queen as one of the most recognisable figures in the world and in various states and commonwealth nations as well, they are very eager to be invited to meet with the queen so easy commonwealth heads of government meetings, all the readers coming together but also state visits to the united kingdom on these coveted locations for world leaders as there is a great deal of meaning of the ceremony that comes with a formal state visit and we've seen the queen continuing to innovate on these occasions, introducing more and more receptions, four people whose origins are already being on in the state visits and the 21st century, the amount of entertaining at buckingham palace actually increased

as these big diplomatic occasions also became opportunities to honour british people with connections to the various countries that are being acknowledged by the state visits in the queen has played a profound diplomatic role in terms of the united kingdom's relationship with countries around the world. just a final point. _ countries around the world. just a final point. if— countries around the world. just a final point. if i _ countries around the world. just a final point, ifi may, _ countries around the world. just a final point, ifi may, it— countries around the world. just a final point, ifi may, it is- final point, if i may, it is interesting that we are already having people underlining the importance of transition, whenever that transition takes place. we simply do not know. but the queen is 96 and clearly talk of transition is not unreasonable. the transition in terms of the importance of the commonwealth, how does that get sustained, do you think?— sustained, do you think? certainly we have seen _ sustained, do you think? certainly we have seen a _ sustained, do you think? certainly we have seen a lot _ sustained, do you think? certainly we have seen a lot of _ sustained, do you think? certainly we have seen a lot of overseas - sustained, do you think? certainly i we have seen a lot of overseas tours by the prince of wales and duchess of cornwall and indeed the duchess

of cornwall and indeed the duchess of cambridge, charles and camilla were very well received in canada and we've seen william and catherine undertaking caribbean tours. well the monikers head of state —— where the monarch as head of state, it will endure but the number of countries for the monarch as head of state may change over time and certainly barbados having transitioned from realm to republic last year, there's been speculation that other caribbean countries in particular might go down the same path. particular might go down the same ath, , ., ., particular might go down the same ath, , ., ., ~' particular might go down the same ath, ., ., ~' ., particular might go down the same ath. ., . ~' ., ., particular might go down the same ath. ., . ~ ., ., ., ~ path. good to talk to you and thank ou so path. good to talk to you and thank you so much _ path. good to talk to you and thank you so much for— path. good to talk to you and thank you so much forjoining _ path. good to talk to you and thank you so much forjoining us - path. good to talk to you and thank you so much forjoining us today, . you so much forjoining us today, the royal author who is of course an expert on the canadian seen but much more besides. love the images reminding us of thejubilee and the

royal air force flight path —— fly past, the 70th platinum jubilee royal air force flight path —— fly past, the 70th platinumjubilee back injune and that appearance where the queen looked absolute the enthralled and delighted with the fly past, she always love the fly past on the day of the birthday parade as one of her favourite events but being on the balcony, encouraging the grandchildren, great—grandchildren, to really enjoy the sight of the red arrows, the red white and blue streaking through the skies above central london, above green park and stjames's park right over buckingham palace, it's the highlight of the birthday parade every year and indeed was the highlight of the parade on the first day of the platinum jubilee celebrations and the queen looked well and did not take part in lots of thejubilee well and did not take part in lots of the jubilee activity, understandably, but she certainly did make that appearance on the balcony on the day of the parade itself and the crowd said it all,

the way that people turned out to wish her majesty well and congratulate her on 70 years on the throne and understanding full well that she could not take part in lots of events and there was lots of fun around encouraging some of the children to do as they were told on the balcony itself, it was a lovely scene. there you have it, that was back in june, seems like a long time ago, doesn't it? today, we are reporting on the queen's health and concerns about the queen's health. and significantly concerns being expressed by her own doctors. which is why we are taking this so seriously. and devoting so much attention to it. i am told there is attention to it. i am told there is a flight on its way to aberdeen right now. that is aberdeen airport, a flight which is carrying seven

members of the royal household, seven members of the royalfamily expected to land at aberdeen fairly shortly within the next ten minutes or so. shortly within the next ten minutes orso. hopefully shortly within the next ten minutes or so. hopefully we will catch a glimpse of that. i can't tell you who is actually on board, i don't know. all i know is that there are seven members of the royal household on board. they are travelling from raf northolt, which is the airfield used by the prime minister the other day, when she returned after seeing the queen. that is in west london. they travelled up. they are due to arrive in about ten minutes' time. than that. maybe we will see who is on board the plane. a fair guess that it will be on board the plane. a fair guess that it will he may be the duke of york, may be the earl of wessex, may the sussexes —— maybe. they are all

meant to be on their way. they are making their way quickly to balmoral. where the queen is being cared for. under medical supervision. we were told her health was causing concern but not told more than that. it was enough to summon close members of the royal family and enough to trigger alarm in places like downing street, the houses of parliament, the commonwealth and elsewhere. the queen is 96. she has been looking more fragile of late. she has had to cancel some engagements, including some of thejubilee in terms of what the doctors were calling mobility issues. just wiping off some rain from the camera at balmoraljust to keep the images are crisp and clear for us. i willjust bring in the royaljournalist for us. i willjust bring in the royal journalist who for us. i willjust bring in the royaljournalist who has been writing about the royal family fulfil to six years. it is good to

talk to you. i am wondering what your reflections are, given we are reporting a serious level of concern over the queen's health, phil dampier? ibis over the queen's health, phil dampier?— over the queen's health, phil damier? a ., dampier? as you have said, the fact that the doctors _ dampier? as you have said, the fact that the doctors at _ dampier? as you have said, the fact that the doctors at buckingham - that the doctors at buckingham palace issued this statement that the doctors are concerned, all the family are gathering at balmoral, i think we can read the runes and tell what is happening. it is a very serious situation. possibly something has happened in the last 24 hours. i don't know whether she has had a stroke or something or what has happened but she seemed frail when she met liz truss. she has looked fairly chipper and happy in herself. only a couple of weeks ago i was shown photos of her walking her corgis and only a couple of months ago she was having a trot back on her horse around windsor castle. she has tried to keep a normal life going and keep her duties going as head of state right up duties going as head of state right up until the end. she made it clear

she would never abdicate. it is looking a bit worrying at the moment. looking a bit worrying at the moment-— looking a bit worrying at the moment. ~ ., ., ., , ., moment. we are looking at images of the jubilee. moment. we are looking at images of the jubilee- they _ moment. we are looking at images of the jubilee. they are _ moment. we are looking at images of the jubilee. they are nice _ moment. we are looking at images of the jubilee. they are nice images - moment. we are looking at images of the jubilee. they are nice images of. thejubilee. they are nice images of thejubilee. they are nice images of the balcony appearance in the platinum jubilee. the the balcony appearance in the platinumjubilee. the main platinum jubilee. the main appearance. platinumjubilee. the main appearance. it is quite a contrast, isn't it, to what we are talking about today. it isn't it, to what we are talking about today-— isn't it, to what we are talking about toda . . , , ., about today. it was 'ust wonderful she was able h about today. it was 'ust wonderful she was able to — about today. it was just wonderful she was able to make _ about today. it was just wonderful she was able to make it _ about today. it was just wonderful she was able to make it to - about today. it was just wonderful she was able to make it to that i she was able to make it to that platinum jubilee. only behind she was able to make it to that platinumjubilee. only behind louis xiv as the second longest reigning monarch in history anywhere in the world and he came to the throne when he was a child. extraordinary. liz truss was her 15th prime minister and winston churchill was her first. she has been the glue holding the country together. with everything that has been happening with the pandemic, cost of living crisis and war in ukraine, this is the last thing we need. she would be the first person to say keep calm and carry on, that is how she has lived her life and she would want to pass that to us. i

her life and she would want to pass that to us. ., , her life and she would want to pass that to us. . , , ., ., that to us. i am sure you are right. you have been _ that to us. i am sure you are right. you have been writing _ that to us. i am sure you are right. you have been writing about - that to us. i am sure you are right. you have been writing about her. you have been writing about her family for decades. when you look at the figure of the queen and the way she has done the job, the figure of the queen and the way she has done thejob, she has had to adjust to many things along the way, she is a figure of continuity, there have been one or two occasions when people have questioned the way she has handled things but on the whole she has not put a foot wrong. i am wondering would that be the lasting image, when people in many years' time look back at her reign? i am sure. time look back at her reign? i am sure- her— time look back at her reign? i am sure. her sense _ time look back at her reign? i am sure. her sense of _ time look back at her reign? i am sure. her sense of duty, - time look back at her reign? i —n sure. her sense of duty, devotion and the fact she has never changed or wavered and never given interviews, she hasjust carried on. she has been the glue holding the whole thing together. she will be an impossible act to follow, that is a problem for charles. they will be good will for him but extremely difficult to follow her. we will give him a fair wind but it won't be easy. we will see how he does.

whatever happens, he will never reign as long as her. this whatever happens, he will never reign as long as her.— reign as long as her. as we understand _ reign as long as her. as we understand it, _ reign as long as her. as we understand it, phil- reign as long as her. as we | understand it, phil dampier, reign as long as her. as we - understand it, phil dampier, seven members of the royal household on this flight now heading towards aberdeen, it will be there in a few minutes' time. one imagines that it will probably be including maybe the wessexes andy sussexes and the duke and duchess of sussex are able to be present, that in itself is something that lots of people had never predicted. —— and the sussexes! iam sure i am sure people won't begrudge harry seeing his grandmother. they go out with the best intentions. some people will query it and say they will try to muscle in on the act but that would be unfair. you can't deny him seeing her. she has so many grandchildren and great—grandchildren, how many of them will go up, i am not sure. the whole family seems to be going to

balmoral. that is what makes it rather worrying. phil balmoral. that is what makes it rather worrying.— balmoral. that is what makes it rather worrying. phil dampier, good to talk to you. _ rather worrying. phil dampier, good to talk to you, the _ rather worrying. phil dampier, good to talk to you, the royal _ rather worrying. phil dampier, good to talk to you, the royaljournalist l to talk to you, the royaljournalist and author who has spent more than 30 years writing about the royal family, ourthanks 30 years writing about the royal family, our thanks to phil dampier. let's return to windsor, which nicholas witchell was telling us it is the favourite working place of the queen, the working home. helena wilkinson is at windsor. the umbrellas are up. it is quite wet. what is the sense about the music percolating through, are people more aware about what is going through —— about the news percolating. thea;r about the news percolating. they are. it is pouring _ about the news percolating. they are. it is pouring with _ about the news percolating. iie: are. it is pouring with rain, about the news percolating. tie: are. it is pouring with rain, as about the news percolating. tierg are. it is pouring with rain, as you mentioned. it means lots of people have taken shelter here at windsor castle. this is a royal town, as you have mentioned, this is the queen's favourite working residents. she has

spent the last two and a half years since the first lockdown in the covid pandemic, she has spent at windsor castle. tourists here who have been emerging just behind us out of the gates of the castle who spent some time inside the grounds, some of them have emerged and told us they have been aware of the news. one woman said she overheard some of the staff talking about the queen's health will stop she became concerned, she came out of the castle. another lady had travelled from west london about half an hour from west london about half an hour from windsor castle when she heard about the news, wanting to be here. it is a —— it is pretty quiet and thatis it is a —— it is pretty quiet and that is down to the rain. lots of tourists around here. this is a royal town. tourists around here. this is a royaltown. don't tourists around here. this is a royal town. don't forget, tourists around here. this is a royaltown. don't forget, locals very much view the queen as their neighbour, notjust in neighbour, not 'ust in the sense

than neighbour, not 'ust in the sense mi rhere - neighbour, not 'ust in the sense mi here is - neighbour, not 'ust in the sense l thafi there is some that interference there is some concern. that interference there is some concern- we _ that interference there is some concern. we know _ that interference there is some concern. we know that _ that interference there is some concern. we know that the - that interference there is some concern. we know that the duke l that interference there is some | concern. we know that the duke of cambridge, as you have been mentioning, has travelled to balmoral, to go and see his grandmother. we know his wife, the duchess of cambridge, has stayed here in windsor.— here in windsor. thank you very much. outside _ here in windsor. thank you very much. outside windsor- here in windsor. thank you very much. outside windsor castle. l here in windsor. thank you very . much. outside windsor castle. this is the scene at aberdeen, a rather misty and rather wet aberdeen airport. this is where we are expecting the flight to land airport. this is where we are expecting the flight to [and very soon, carrying we are told, seven members of the royal household. they will make their way from aberdeen, a short distance to balmoral castle, which is in aberdeenshire. we are expecting them to land in about five minutes but there is a slight amount of guesswork. nicholas witchell is

with me. that answer is one question, which was to do with who is there already and who is on the way. we think there are seven on this flight. way. we think there are seven on this flirht. . way. we think there are seven on this flight-— this flight. right, that motorcade will beain this flight. right, that motorcade will begin the _ this flight. right, that motorcade will begin the 45 _ this flight. right, that motorcade will begin the 45 mile _ this flight. right, that motorcade will begin the 45 mile journey - this flight. right, that motorcade will begin the 45 mile journey to | will begin the 45 mile journey to balmoral. i think we can expect certainly 45 minutes to an hour from departure from aberdeen airport until arrival at balmoral castle. once again, i understand from buckingham palace that they are not intending to say anything in the next little while. it can change very quickly. they will say it when they have something to say. quite possibly, of course, they will be waiting for these other members of the royal family to arrive at balmoral castle. that is me speculating. that is the situation we are in. we have been reporting for the past several hours that the queen's doctors are concerned for her health. the immediate family is

gathering at balmoral castle. the foggy and damp aberdeen airport is where the aircraft will land foggy and damp aberdeen airport is where the aircraft will [and quite shortly. there vehicles will be setting off on the journey to balmoral. setting off on the 'ourney to balmoralh setting off on the 'ourney to balmoral. . ., , ., ., balmoral. we can get an update from there, we balmoral. we can get an update from there. we can — balmoral. we can get an update from there, we canjoin _ balmoral. we can get an update from there, we canjoin our— balmoral. we can get an update from there, we can join our colleague, - there, we canjoin our colleague, david shanks. we are looking at a foggy and misty image of the airport. can you update us on what arrangements are there? yes. arrangements are there? yes, conditions — arrangements are there? yes, conditions here _ arrangements are there? yes, conditions here are _ arrangements are there? yes, conditions here are very - arrangements are there? yes, conditions here are very poor. | arrangements are there? ies conditions here are very poor. we have had some very heavy rain, poor visibility and we are told by the airport start that —— staff that there is no problem getting an aircraft in, there won't cause any particular delays. the latest we are told is roughly any minute now we are expecting an aircraft from raf northolt to aberdeen airport containing seven members of the royal household. we can start to see

some vehicles lining up airside. from here, if that nextjourney is by road, around 45 miles to balmoral castle. just over an hour and ten minutes of the journey as well. it is possible the weather could delay that flight but we are expecting it any minute now at aberdeen airport. i think we can see in the fog a helicopter approaching. the arrangements on the ground, what can you see in terms of vehicles ready on the ground for those arriving? i should say that this is, of course, one of the busiest heliport is in the country due to the oil and gas industry here, lots of comings and goings that isn't anything to do with today's news. worth bearing in mind when you are looking at pictures here. just by the runway you can see three vehicles standing

by. we understand that is roughly where the royal plane will end up today, although there could be changes due to the weather. we are not sure as of now. but again we are expecting that flight any minute now. ., , , ., ., ., now. that is the situation at aberdeen — now. that is the situation at aberdeen airport. _ now. that is the situation at aberdeen airport. david, i now. that is the situation at aberdeen airport. david, if| now. that is the situation at - aberdeen airport. david, if there are any developments, we will come to you straightaway, david shanks, our colleague at aberdeen. nick, they are standing by. it seems that will be about an hour to get to balmoral? i will be about an hour to get to balmoral?— will be about an hour to get to balmoral? ., ., ., ,., balmoral? i would have thought so. in the rather— balmoral? i would have thought so. in the rather inclement _ balmoral? i would have thought so. in the rather inclement weather, i in the rather inclement weather, they will not want to rush very much. i am trying to figure out who the seven members of the royal family rather than the royal household i would have thought. this isjust household i would have thought. this is just me speculating but of the top of my head, the duke of york, the earl and countess of wessex. the princess royal is up there. yes. the duke of cambridge travelling without catherine, she is remaining at windsor. we remember that their three children have just started at

their new school. wouldn't be a good time for both of them to disappear from their new home in windsor. and the duke and duchess of sussex. that makes six. i am puzzling who the seventh might be. it could be the earl of snowdon, the other branches of the family all as equally involved and concerned as the members of the royal family themselves. that is the situation. they have at least got a 45 minute road journey ahead of them. itjust may be that we will have to wait until they have arrived and the family has had a chance to be together. before we learn anything further. i do stress that is just me speculating. further. i do stress that is 'ust me speculatingfi further. i do stress that is 'ust me spamm— further. i do stress that is 'ust me s-ueculatin. ., ., ~ ., speculating. you were talking about the prince of— speculating. you were talking about the prince of wales _ speculating. you were talking about the prince of wales earlier- speculating. you were talking about the prince of wales earlier who - speculating. you were talking about the prince of wales earlier who has| the prince of wales earlier who has been with camilla in residence not far away from balmoral at birkhall. the understanding that the prince of wales spent quite a lot of time with

her majesty. wales spent quite a lot of time with her majesty-— her majesty. yes, he has been dro -|n~ her majesty. yes, he has been dropping in _ her majesty. yes, he has been dropping in most _ her majesty. yes, he has been dropping in most days. - her majesty. yes, he has been dropping in most days. it - her majesty. yes, he has been dropping in most days. it is - her majesty. yes, he has been| dropping in most days. it isjust her majesty. yes, he has been i dropping in most days. it isjust a few miles from birkhall to balmoral castle itself. it would just i think he castle itself. it would just i think be natural that he would wish to be spending as much time with his mother as possible, particularly if as has clearly been the case, her health has been a matter of concern in recent times. both charles and camilla have been there. we saw charles and camilla at the braemar gathering on saturday but the queen was not there for these reasons of comfort, connected to the mobility issue. as we understand it, charles and presumably camilla as well are at balmoral presumably with the princess royal now awaiting those other members of the family who will shortly you would expect to be boarding those three vehicles there which are waiting on the tarmac at aberdeen airport. of course, it is

all rather more complicated by the weather. liz truss's aircraft was delayed by fog. had to circle around several times before it was able to land on tuesday. torrential rain. i know because i was standing in it outside balmoral! that makes that drive not necessarily hazardous but they will need to take care. it is not the sort of drive they can do at breakneck speed. we not the sort of drive they can do at breakneck speed.— breakneck speed. we are told that the lane breakneck speed. we are told that the plane is _ breakneck speed. we are told that the plane is approaching. - breakneck speed. we are told that the plane is approaching. clearly, | the plane is approaching. clearly, as you have said quite a few times, not easy to spot what is approaching in this weather. i am told it is within a minute of arrival, apparently. let's hope that we can spot it as it comes. if you are just joining us and watching these images and wondering what's going on, we are reporting on concerns for the queen's health. and linked to that, the arrival of seven members of the royal family the arrival of seven members of the royalfamily in a the arrival of seven members of the royal family in a flight that is about to land

royal family in a flight that is about to [and here at this location, which is aberdeen airport, which is not too farfrom which is aberdeen airport, which is not too far from balmoral castle, the queen's estate in aberdeenshire where the queen has been in residence since the month ofjuly. and the usual summer stay for the royalfamily in and the usual summer stay for the royal family in balmoral, and the usual summer stay for the royalfamily in balmoral, which has been going on despite the queen's clear health issues. that is why the queen is being cared for there. she is getting all the care and attention that you would expect from attention that you would expect from a very expert team of doctors and nurses and other experts. that is all happening at balmoral castle itself. it is not happening at the infirmary, the royal infirmary in aberdeen. queen is being cared for at home, so to speak, her summer home, which she is very fond of, she will be feeling very happy in her surroundings, we hope comfortable and not in any discomfort or pain.

clearly. the palace statement earlier was quite clear. it said that the queen was resting and was comfortable. and the doctors were nonetheless expressing concern about her health. bud nonetheless expressing concern about her health. �* ~ her health. and i think given the level of concern _ her health. and i think given the level of concern there _ her health. and i think given the level of concern there will - her health. and i think given the level of concern there will be - her health. and i think given the level of concern there will be in | level of concern there will be in this country and indeed around the world, in the commonwealth and more widely, i would think that palace would have to say something. because otherwise, you know, if there is a vacuum, it will be filled with rumours. there are already any number of rumours out there. we must just stick to the facts. we look to buckingham palace clearly to give us the facts. because an awful lot of people, millions and millions of people, millions and millions of people, will be tuning in now wanting to know how the queen is. this is the scene at aberdeen

airport in the north—east of scotland. aberdeen airport no stranger to the weather which is a bit challenging. today it is wet and foggy and possibly windy. we can see in aircraft approaching. rbf, foggy and possibly windy. we can see in aircraft approaching.— in aircraft approaching. raf, looks like the same _ in aircraft approaching. raf, looks like the same aircraft _ in aircraft approaching. raf, looks like the same aircraft that - in aircraft approaching. raf, looks like the same aircraft that was - in aircraft approaching. raf, looksl like the same aircraft that was used on tuesday. falcon. that is certainly not a commercial flight. it looks absolutely like the kind of raf aircraft that would be used in a situation such as this. one of their smaller executive passenger aircraft. to bring these members of the royal family one aircraft. to bring these members of the royalfamily one must aircraft. to bring these members of the royal family one must assume up to aberdeen and then onto balmoral so they can be at the bedside of their mother or their grandmother stop touch down at aberdeen. in all likelihood, this _ stop touch down at aberdeen. in all likelihood, this is _ stop touch down at aberdeen. in all likelihood, this is the _ stop touch down at aberdeen. in all likelihood, this is the plane carrying seven members of the royal family. just touched down. i am sure

it will be a fairly swift transfer from the aircraft to the vehicles that are awaiting just off the runway to take members of the royal family, whoever they are. nick gave us a very credible listjust now. and take them over to balmoral itself. to see how the queen is doing to be present at the bedside in aberdeen. tojust doing to be present at the bedside in aberdeen. to just monitor the queen's care. we think the prince of wales is certainly there already. and the princess royal, too. we think this claim has brought up possibly the duke of cambridge, the earl of wessex, possibly the countess of wessex, the duke and duchess of sussex, and the duke of york probably as well. we can't

confirm the list. if we can, we will tell you right away. but the aircraft is nowjust taxiing and approaching the terminal building. that is the fleet of cars has stopped. they will now want to make pretty good progress on road from aberdeen, 45 miles or so from aberdeen, 45 miles or so from aberdeen to balmoral itself. it is a journey that you have undertaken, nick. is that a journey that is very straight forward or not? it is quite a windin: straight forward or not? it is quite a winding road. _ straight forward or not? it is quite a winding road. there _ straight forward or not? it is quite a winding road. there are - straight forward or not? it is quite a winding road. there are still - a winding road. there are still quite a few tourists around. as we were saying, it is clearly very wet. it is a very picturesque journey, a journey that these members of the royal family will be well used to. they won't be driving, they will have chauffeurs who will be used to it and i would imagine those

vehicles have probably come out from balmoral in order to pick them up. they will be very used to the journey from dice, where aberdeen airport is situated through some towns, rather delightful towns with quaint names. —— dyce. the church where the royal family worship when they are at balmoral castle and into balmoral castle and the estate itself where the queen has spent so many happy months over the years of her reign. aberdeen airport still busy with its normal commercial traffic but this aircraft presumably now approaching where those vehicles are parked. we now approaching where those vehicles are arked. ~ ~' . , are parked. we think three vehicles are parked. we think three vehicles are standing _ are parked. we think three vehicles are standing by- — are parked. we think three vehicles are standing by. which _ are parked. we think three vehicles are standing by. which would - are parked. we think three vehiclesi are standing by. which would easily accommodate obviously seven members

of the royal family if it is seven. there may be one or two members of the royal household with them. i{iuite the royal household with them. quite ossibl . the royal household with them. quite possibly- the — the royal household with them. quite possibly. the names _ the royal household with them. quite possibly. the names we _ the royal household with them. (si te possibly. the names we mentioned the royal household with them. (zei te possibly. the names we mentioned a few moments ago would be most likely. together with the late princess margaret's children, the earl of snowdon and sarah armstrong also very close i am sure they would wish to be there. and many other members of the royal family but these are the most immediate ones, children, grandchildren and nephew and nieces. perhaps we will get a chance to see in a moment... we may aet a chance to see in a moment... we may get a glimpse. — chance to see in a moment... we may get a glimpse. it _ chance to see in a moment... we may get a glimpse, it depends _ chance to see in a moment... we may get a glimpse, it depends where - chance to see in a moment... we may get a glimpse, it depends where the l get a glimpse, it depends where the aircraft comes to rest. our line of sight might be blocked somewhat. if we can see it, we will do our best. just... carrying on down to where the agreed stop is. going back

towards the landing position on the runway. but coming over to the left hand side. it will stop fairly shortly, i think. hand side. it will stop fairly shortly, ithink. because hand side. it will stop fairly shortly, i think. because the vehicles we saw are parked just a few metres away from this kind of area. i few metres away from this kind of area. ~' . ., few metres away from this kind of area. ~ .., , few metres away from this kind of area. ~ .. , . ., ., area. i think we can be certain that the duke of— area. i think we can be certain that the duke of cambridge, _ area. i think we can be certain that the duke of cambridge, the - area. i think we can be certain that the duke of cambridge, the earl. area. i think we can be certain that. the duke of cambridge, the earl and countess of wessex and the duke of york are on the aircraft. the duke of cambridge without catherine, as we mentioned. not quite sure who else may be on the aircraft. d0 we mentioned. not quite sure who else may be on the aircraft. do you think the sussexes _ else may be on the aircraft. do you think the sussexes would - else may be on the aircraft. do you think the sussexes would have - else may be on the aircraft. do you i think the sussexes would have come? it would be logical, wouldn't it? this of all moments is a moment full wrap russian aunt, isn't it? a coming together of the family. —— this is a moment for rapprochement. we have a clear sight of it. we will see who is on the aircraft. the duke

and duchess of sussex fortuitously have happened he in this country. it is logical they would wish to join other members of the immediate family —— happen to be. range rovers and another vehicle. given the arrangements, it will be a very quick transfer once they are out of the aircraft, they would be on their way i would imagine? yes. now, on their way i would imagine? yes. now. from — on their way i would imagine? yes. now, from which _ on their way i would imagine? yes. now, from which side _ on their way i would imagine? yes. now, from which side of— on their way i would imagine? ies now, from which side of the aircraft will they disembark? if it is the far side, we won't... will they disembark? if it is the farside, we won't... it will they disembark? if it is the far side, we won't. . ._ will they disembark? if it is the far side, we won't. .. it looks like this side. — far side, we won't. .. it looks like this side, doesn't _ far side, we won't. .. it looks like this side, doesn't it? _ far side, we won't. .. it looks like this side, doesn't it? yeah. - far side, we won't. .. it looks like this side, doesn't it? yeah. cars| this side, doesn't it? yeah. cars are 'ust this side, doesn't it? yeah. cars are just pulling _ this side, doesn't it? yeah. cars are just pulling up. _ this side, doesn't it? yeah. cars arejust pulling up. let's - this side, doesn't it? yeah. cars are just pulling up. let's keep i this side, doesn't it? yeah. cars are just pulling up. let's keep a| arejust pulling up. let's keep a sharp eye on who is likely to emerge.

whoever it is will be joining the prince of wales. tide whoever it is will be 'oining the prince of walesh whoever it is will be 'oining the prince of wales. we are told that four of the _ prince of wales. we are told that four of the royals _ prince of wales. we are told that four of the royals on _ prince of wales. we are told that four of the royals on the - prince of wales. we are told that four of the royals on the plane i prince of wales. we are told that| four of the royals on the plane are william, andrew, edward, and sophie. yes, yes. steps a re steps are coming down pretty swiftly. so, not sure... not sure if we can have a slightly closer look but here we are. we are looking for the duke of cambridge. duke of york. the earl and countess of wessex. two of the queen's children, daughter—in—law and grandson.

that is our colleague, daniela ralph suggesting that list for us.— suggesting that list for us. yeah. in line suggesting that list for us. yeah. in line with _ suggesting that list for us. yeah. in line with what _ suggesting that list for us. yeah. in line with what you _ suggesting that list for us. yeah. in line with what you were - suggesting that list for us. yeah. in line with what you were saying earlier, nick. the in line with what you were saying earlier, nick.— earlier, nick. the pilot has taken his position _ earlier, nick. the pilot has taken his position on _ earlier, nick. the pilot has taken his position on the _ earlier, nick. the pilot has taken his position on the side - earlier, nick. the pilot has taken his position on the side of - earlier, nick. the pilot has taken his position on the side of the i his position on the side of the steps ready to salute. goodness me, it is hard to tell, isn't it? yen; it is hard to tell, isn't it? very difficult to _ it is hard to tell, isn't it? very difficult to tell. _ it is hard to tell, isn't it? very difficult to tell. those - it is hard to tell, isn't it? very difficult to tell. those are - difficult to tell. those are protection _ difficult to tell. those are protection officers. - difficult to tell. those are protection officers. duke | difficult to tell. those are i protection officers. duke of cambridge. protection officers. duke of cambridge-— protection officers. duke of cambridge. protection officers. duke of cambridie. , ., , , ,, protection officers. duke of cambridie. , ., , ., cambridge. yes. that is the duke of cambridie cambridge. yes. that is the duke of cambridge who _ cambridge. yes. that is the duke of cambridge who has _ cambridge. yes. that is the duke of cambridge who hasjust _ cambridge. yes. that is the duke of cambridge who hasjust emerged i cambridge. yes. that is the duke of i cambridge who hasjust emerged from cambridge who has just emerged from the aircraft. cambridge who has 'ust emerged from the aircraft. ., , , ., . , , the aircraft. countess of wessex i susect. the aircraft. countess of wessex i suspect- i — the aircraft. countess of wessex i suspect. i think— the aircraft. countess of wessex i suspect. i think so. _ the aircraft. countess of wessex i suspect. ithink so. earl— the aircraft. countess of wessex i suspect. i think so. earl of- the aircraft. countess of wessex i i suspect. i think so. earl of wessex. gosh.

suspect. i think so. earl of wessex. gosh- that — suspect. i think so. earl of wessex. gosh. that looks _ suspect. i think so. earl of wessex. gosh. that looks like _ suspect. i think so. earl of wessex. gosh. that looks like the _ suspect. i think so. earl of wessex. gosh. that looks like the duke - suspect. i think so. earl of wessex. gosh. that looks like the duke of l gosh. that looks like the duke of york, i gosh. that looks like the duke of york. i think. — gosh. that looks like the duke of york, ithink, isn't— gosh. that looks like the duke of york, i think, isn't it? _ gosh. that looks like the duke of york, ithink, isn't it? yes. - gosh. that looks like the duke of york, i think, isn't it? yes. i- york, ithink, isn't it? yes. i think it— york, ithink, isn't it? yes. i think it is— york, ithink, isn't it? yes. i think it is the _ york, ithink, isn't it? yes. i think it is the duke - york, ithink, isn't it? yes. i think it is the duke of- york, ithink, isn't it? yes. i think it is the duke of york. | york, ithink, isn't it? ies i think it is the duke of york. we caught a glimpse... the earl of wessex? . who is that? i'm s o rry . i'm s o rry . i'm sorry, i cannot identify who that is. may be an official or another policeman, he's getting into the back of the car. i don't think that was a royal. i imagine the

princess royal's partner is there. we now think that comprises the duke of cambridge, duke of york, and they are making their way swiftly to balmoral. ii are making their way swiftly to balmoral. ., , , , balmoral. if our eyesight is true, there is no _ balmoral. if our eyesight is true, there is no duke _ balmoral. if our eyesight is true, there is no duke and _ balmoral. if our eyesight is true, there is no duke and does - balmoral. if our eyesight is true, i there is no duke and does duchess balmoral. if our eyesight is true, - there is no duke and does duchess of sussex there. unless you are just struggling to spot them but i could not see them so maybe they are making separate arrangements, maybe there has not been the chance conversation aboard the aircraft and no sign i can see, so it appears to just before members of the royal didn't it? certainly i would say 45 minutes before they now reach balmoral and they will have a chance then to be appraised and they would

have been summoned clearly this morning and will take time to get the aircraft sorted out and set in motion the logistics of getting them up motion the logistics of getting them up there and we must now weight. we —— we must now wait. and wait on any definitive information. this -- we must now wait. and wait on any definitive information.— definitive information. this is bbc news, if definitive information. this is bbc news. if you're — definitive information. this is bbc news, if you're just _ definitive information. this is bbc news, if you're just joining - definitive information. this is bbc news, if you'rejust joining us, i news, if you'rejustjoining us, this is our special coverage of aberdeenshire, principally balmoral where the queen's doctors have expressed concern for her health. we are covering events back in windsor as well. a statement released by buckingham palace saying the 96—year—old monarch was placed under supervision

after further evaluation but that she did remain comfortable, that was the word used in the bbc understands that all four of the queen's children are either at the balmoral estate or they are now travelling there because we have just seen some arrivals at aberdeen. the prince of wales went to balmoral with his wife, the duchess of cornwall, in the past few minutes we have seen a group of the royal family touching down at aberdeen airport and they are already on their way to the balmoral estate. reactions to the queen's health and to the concerns about it have come in since that statementjust about it have come in since that statement just after midday today and the prime minister who only a couple of days ago was meeting the queen at balmoral, liz truss, said the whole country will be deeply concerned by this news and she said the thoughts and those of everyone in the uk and the commonwealth are with the queen. and herfamily. and

we are in a position now i think to talk to our medical editor fergus walsh who canjoin talk to our medical editor fergus walsh who can join us on the question a lot of viewers are asking this afternoon, understandably so, asking questions about what doctors mean by comfortable and when they talk about medical supervision, how intensive a supervision might that be, for example? they want to know about trying to understand the phraseology being used. absolutely and what we _ phraseology being used. absolutely and what we can _ phraseology being used. absolutely and what we can say _ phraseology being used. absolutely and what we can say here _ phraseology being used. absolutely and what we can say here is - phraseology being used. absolutely and what we can say here is the - and what we can say here is the palace have gone far further than they ever normally do, they normally do not give updates on members of the royal family's health do not give updates on members of the royalfamily�*s health but do not give updates on members of the royal family's health but the key phrase in the brief statement today was that doctors were concerned for her majesty's health inducing the arrival of key members of herfamily, children, going to

balmoral now and it is a shock for everybody because we have all lived our lives with the queen as a permanent fixture, she is 96 years old, and she has been in remarkably good health for pretty much all of that rain, —— for pretty much all of that rain, —— for pretty much all of that reign apart from the recent mobility issues. if we think are 15 prime ministers over the years, the first being winston churchill who was born i think in 1874 and the latest earlier this week liz truss who was born in years later, that just gives you an idea of her longevity and terms of her service to the country and she has had remarkably few health incidents until very recently, spending a night in hospital in 2013 i think

with a gastric issue and a couple of minor operations but apart from that, being on really robust health until the last year or so.— until the last year or so. when we talk about — until the last year or so. when we talk about people _ until the last year or so. when we talk about people who _ until the last year or so. when we talk about people who are - until the last year or so. when we talk about people who are 96 - until the last year or so. when we i talk about people who are 96 years of age, clearly it is no surprise that their health issues may well be accumulating. we've talked about the queen's mobility issues, a phrase of course used by buckingham palace itself, again that has given rise to some speculation. what is your guidance to viewers on that phrase, mobility issues?— mobility issues? again, i have no secial mobility issues? again, i have no special insights _ mobility issues? again, i have no special insights here _ mobility issues? again, i have no special insights here because - mobility issues? again, i have no special insights here because the| special insights here because the palace places very close to their chest. we saw her and we could all see the photos earlier this week when she was greeting liz truss that she had a walking stick but we have also seen some of the mobility issues that she has had which

prevented her, for example, not attending the state opening of parliament for the first time in i think around 60 years, so she is 96 and obviously she has been in remarkably good health for a 96—year—old but the palace has never been one to speculate or to give more than very, very brief statements on members of the royal family. statements on members of the royal famil . ., ., , ., family. there are many more questions — family. there are many more questions you _ family. there are many more questions you would - family. there are many more questions you would like - family. there are many more questions you would like to i family. there are many more - questions you would like to raise that viewers are understood understandably asking but thanks for that. band understandably asking but thanks for that. . ., understandably asking but thanks for that. �* ., , understandably asking but thanks for that. . ., , . ., that. and of course, nicholas witchell with _ that. and of course, nicholas witchell with us, _ that. and of course, nicholas witchell with us, and - that. and of course, nicholas witchell with us, and we - that. and of course, nicholas witchell with us, and we are | that. and of course, nicholas - witchell with us, and we are doing what all of you are doing which is waiting patiently for any news. ii waiting patiently for any news. if and when it comes. what would you say to sum up things so far? i would

say to sum up things so far? i would sa there say to sum up things so far? i would say there is — say to sum up things so far? i would say there is deep — say to sum up things so far? i would say there is deep concern, _ say to sum up things so far? i would say there is deep concern, it - say to sum up things so far? i would say there is deep concern, it is - say there is deep concern, it is justified in saying deep concern given the movements of the family. they would only be going en masse to balmoral, cancelling all their scheduled engagements today and breaking into their programme to be at the bedside of either their mother or grandmother if there was very real concern and i think nicola sturgeon use the word profound concern and we have not been on the situation before, we are in unknown territory. which the head of state, a queen for 70 years, is clearly suffering from significant health issues. sufficiently significant for her doctors to issue really an unprecedented statement regarding her health adding that she is comfortable and is remaining at balmoral and there are to be no question of moving her to hospital.

this comes after several days which you seen, if you like, clues that the health situation was heading in a negative direction, the fact that she could not go to london for the appointment of the new prime minister had to be cancelled and she had been ordered to rest by her doctors and that is just most unlike her and then this news just before lunchtime today at around 12:20pm, the statement from buckingham palace concerning her health and this after so many months when they have said absolutely a minimum of information, just refusing to talk about it, saying we are not giving a commentary on health and in a sense, they have not had very much to say because i do not think there have been any significant changes until now. there are any number of rumours out there, we will not get into those and as you said, we will have

to wait along with everyone watching us to see what information may emerge but this situation we find ourselves in, ominously, i think, emerge but this situation we find ourselves in, ominously, ithink, is the culmination of the sequence of events which began last october when clearly there was some change, some worsening of her health when she had to cancel the visit to northern ireland when she was taken into hospital and although she was ordered then to undertake light duties, she did recover and there was a weight loss and we've seen her with a stick, this is when she was visiting thames hospice not so many weeks ago and you can see the weight loss in herface there but weeks ago and you can see the weight loss in her face there but still determined though with her stick and walking very carefully, because of these mobility issues but still there at the age of 96, still keen to be out and about as head of state, meeting people, once in a

lifetime moments for those people at thames hospice meeting the queen, who has done so few public engagements in recent times but taking an interest in people there and just being the queen. that person who is so respected, so revered, whether you're a supporter of the monarchy or you think we should become a republic, ithink there is a unanimous view that she has done and continues to do a quite remarkablejob and who has done and continues to do a quite remarkable job and who can has done and continues to do a quite remarkablejob and who can imagine doing this at the age of 96. and these images at thames hospice, on herfeet, engaging in conversation with so many people, so many tens of thousands of people she has met over the 70 years of her reign. itthiii the 70 years of her reign. will there ever _ the 70 years of her reign. will there ever be _ the 70 years of her reign. will there ever be in _ the 70 years of her reign. will there ever be in future a figure who

symbolises more effectively and more powerfully in the sense of duty, the sense of commitment, the sense of dedication, the sense of a role that has been preordained in a way? that is really something that lots of people today will be reflecting on. it is, i think many people will think we will not see her like again. that rain is not over, we have nothing to to suggest it is. —— at reign is not over. but you're right, it has been a remarkable reign in so many respects, notjust the longevity, 70 years, the longest reign in british history, it is the degree of devotion that she has brought to it, the instinctive grasp that she has had of what it is that eight monarch needs to represent, the humility that she has demonstrated, that is really... the humility is key to why the rain has

been such a success —— mike wiley reign has been such a success. steadfast and rooted in humility on eve of her coronation. ibthd steadfast and rooted in humility on eve of her coronation.— eve of her coronation. and we are talkin: eve of her coronation. and we are talking about _ eve of her coronation. and we are talking about a _ eve of her coronation. and we are talking about a remarkable - eve of her coronation. and we are | talking about a remarkable person who was not born to this role. it was not meant to be. absolutely, born 'ust was not meant to be. absolutely, born just a _ was not meant to be. absolutely, born just a few— was not meant to be. absolutely, born just a few months _ was not meant to be. absolutely, born just a few months before i was not meant to be. absolutely, | born just a few months before the general strike back in 1926 and at the time of her birth though it was suspected that perhaps things might evolve in such a way that she might end up in —— on the throne but at that point she was the eldest child of the king's second son so, at that point, there is no real expectation that she would succeed the throne but history took the turn that it did and herfather took but history took the turn that it did and her father took the throne in 1936 and then of course that placed her in direct line to the succession and to 1952 and of course her father died so unexpectedly,

tragically young, in his 50s, and she was thrust upon the throne at the age ofjust 25, 25 years old, when she came to the throne and she has reigned and continues to rain, in line with that pledge that she made that she would rain and serve the peoples of the commonwealth throughout her life —— make she would reign the people of the commonwealth and serve them throughout her life. remarkably, the visit to the hospice _ throughout her life. remarkably, the visit to the hospice there _ throughout her life. remarkably, the visit to the hospice there was - visit to the hospice there was actually conveyed exactly the same sense of purpose and energy, and duty and keenness to meet people that we see an old film back in the 50s. again, one of the keys is that she enjoys it. she 50s. again, one of the keys is that she enjoys it— she enjoys it. she enjoys the role she enjoys it. she en'oys the role of queen — she enjoys it. she en'oys the role of queen. although _ she enjoys it. she enjoys the role of queen. although by _ she enjoys it. she enjoys the role of queen. although by instinct i she enjoys it. she enjoys the role i of queen. although by instinct quite a reticent person, she has a

curiosity about people and things she likes i think political gossip, she likes i think political gossip, she is very circumspect about it but i think she just likes to know what is going on in her country and probably has a better opportunity than most, actually, when she was out and about regularly, not in the past year, to speak to so many people and they would write to her and so she has seen is that as part of her role to try to sense what is the mood, what is the feeling around the mood, what is the feeling around the country, there have been ups and downs around the rain, it would be remarkable and inconceivable if there were not but this is someone who i think not only enjoys the role she finds herself in but also has some of the characteristics of an executive woman, doing the job of queen, all the paperwork, box after box, every day, as they say, apart from christmas day, having to go

through it but in it, there is something about her which quite enjoys being decisive, taking decision, not political decision, of course not, but being involved in the affairs of state and being privy to them because... the affairs of state and being privy to them because. . ._ the affairs of state and being privy to them because... again, this lady of 96 knows — to them because... again, this lady of 96 knows just _ to them because... again, this lady of 96 knows just about _ to them because... again, this lady of 96 knows just about every - to them because... again, this lady of 96 knows just about every secreti of 96 knows 'ust about every secret there is of 96 knows just about every secret there is about _ of 96 knows just about every secret there is about the _ of 96 knows just about every secret there is about the united _ of 96 knows just about every secret there is about the united kingdom. i there is about the united kingdom. she sees all of them, notjust from the united kingdom but other nations as well, the 14 others which she is also head of state, and sometimes i think people don't fully appreciate what the queen does. it is this head of the nation role but there is an awful lot of work that she does which is not really seen by us, the public, but it fulfils an essential component in holding the nation together, it is the embodiment of the crown and that is the entity to

which all the principal people as they owe their allegiance and we should not forget that and at some point, in the future, we will have a pneumonic and will then be important to separate the institution from the individual and when we do reach that point, when the crown does pass, from the queen, we are not there yet, but at some point, that moment will come and inevitably, there will be questions about how challenging how difficult it will be for the pneumonic, orthe how difficult it will be for the pneumonic, or the king, how difficult it will be for the pneumonic, orthe king, king charles, presumably as he will be known but at that point we will have to remember that for 70 years, the monarchy has been so identified with this monarch that we have perhaps forgotten what the functions of the monarchy are that it is the constitutional settlement of the united kingdom, the embodiment of it. that is all to come at some point, perhaps... well, who knows

and at this point we just await any further news from the palace. that further news from the palace. at buckingham palace itself, we can see some people gathering there, it is a wet day so you will not see huge crowds right now but there are people gathering outside the gates because word has got out that there is concern about the queen's health and the traditional place to gather has been in front of buckingham palace. there we have the great aerial image of the palace itself with st james's parkjust over to the left and then green park up to the left and then green park up to the right hand side and then you can see the facade of buckingham palace there, the queen victoria memorial dominating the front part, that part of the mall that leads down to buckingham palace and the huge garden. somewhere, of course, where the queen has spent a of time over the queen has spent a of time over the years but it is also fair to

say... it would not be unfair saying this, possibly not her favourite residence. this, possibly not her favourite residence-— this, possibly not her favourite residence. ., ~ ., residence. no, i think we are unsafe territory to — residence. no, i think we are unsafe territory to say _ residence. no, i think we are unsafe territory to say windsor _ residence. no, i think we are unsafe territory to say windsor is _ residence. no, i think we are unsafe territory to say windsor is by - residence. no, i think we are unsafe territory to say windsor is by far - territory to say windsor is by far her favourite place notwithstanding that it her favourite place notwithstanding thatitis her favourite place notwithstanding that it is directly under the flight path of heathrow airport but i think she liked tranquillity there, the sense that you're not, as it were, living above the shop. buckingham palace of course has this multi—million pound renovation at the moment and as people within the palace would say, it badly needs it because the lighting at the plumbing doesn't work terribly well but, no, i think absolutely because do not forget the queen at heart is a countrywoman. she enjoys the country pursuits, the dogs and horses as we know. there is a much greater opportunity to do that out at windsor with the estate there, which the duke of edinburgh used to manage and she has got horses nearby. understandably, windsor is her

favourite residence and that is the castle to which we would expect her to return next month from balmoral but as i say we are just waiting to see what may emerge but, as you say, buckingham palace... its headquarters, the office. it is the place where work and lots of the formal state ceremony of course and thatis formal state ceremony of course and that is why there are crowds in central london gathering there because they've heard of the concerns for the queen's health and they've gathered there. my colleague is also there right now, just outside the palace. damian grammaticus, you are telling us about... earlier and there will

be people who are aware of the report but are not completely aware of what is going on, regarding the queen's help but take us through some of the leaders' thoughts as the day has gone on. some of the leaders' thoughts as the day has gone on-_ day has gone on. yes, that is right. of course the _ day has gone on. yes, that is right. of course the first _ day has gone on. yes, that is right. of course the first official _ of course the first official announcement or official announcement or official announcement came from here officially through buckingham palace about the queen's condition. and talking about the further evaluation this morning, the queen's doctors were concerned for her majesty's health. the queen remains comfortable, the announcement said and when that came through, just shortly before that, news had started or had rippled through the political world here in london, in parliament, parliament was sitting, the prime minister was there, the leader of the opposition, the news rippled through the chamber of the

house of commons as they were debating today and very soon after, we had that announcement from the palace here followed by then official announcements from those political leaders, official comments from those political leaders and as you say, i will give you a little flavour of those. liz truss, the prime minister, who had just been to balmoral on tuesday to be asked by the queen to form a government, she pretty quickly put out a statement saying your country will be deeply concerned by the news from buckingham palace this lunchtime, my thoughts and the thoughts of people across the united kingdom are with her majesty, the queen, and her family. that's what liz truss said echoed almost instantly by sir keir starmer, the labour leader who set out along with the rest of the country, i'm deeply worried by the news from buckingham palace, my thoughts are with the queen and her

family and i, along with everyone in the united kingdom hope for a recovery, the liberal democrat leader sir statement saying the whole thoughts and prayers with her majesty the queen and herfamily and prayers with her majesty the queen and her family and we all hope and pray for a full recovery. that same... those same sentiments again repeated throughout the united kingdom, we heard from nicola sturgeon in scotland, same sentiment again, all of us are feeling profoundly concerned that reports about her majesty's health, my thoughts and wishes are with the queen and all the royal family, thoughts and wishes are with the queen and all the royalfamily, mark drakeford the first minister of wales, same again, concerned to hear the news from buckingham palace sending my best wishes on behalf of the people of wales and northern ireland, so jeffrey the people of wales and northern ireland, sojeffrey donaldson, leader of the democratic unionist party repeating the thing again, widespread concern from them and following that, also from the former prime ministers who would come here

for their weekly audiences with the queen, both david cameron and tony blair have put out very similar messages as well and as you were just hearing, from nicholas witchell i think, 15 prime ministers i think the queen has seen during her reign, liz truss the most recent, and cream to head of state for 14 other countries, i think nicholas witchell was just saying so concern about her condition from herfamily, extending far beyond just london, far beyond these shores, places like new zealand, australia, to other countries around the world where they will be watching very closely and other british overseas territories, far from and other british overseas territories, farfrom here, gibraltar, bermuda, places like that also have an intimate connection with the queen and will be looking

on, sharing the same concerns and sentiments echoed by political leaders. ., .. sentiments echoed by political leaders. ., ,, , ., sentiments echoed by political leaders. ., ~' , ., , sentiments echoed by political leaders. ., ,, , ., , . sentiments echoed by political leaders. ., ,, , . leaders. thank you very much. some ofthe leaders. thank you very much. some of the expressions _ leaders. thank you very much. some of the expressions of _ leaders. thank you very much. some of the expressions of concern - leaders. thank you very much. some of the expressions of concern and i of the expressions of concern and wishes being sent to the queen and the family. we are looking here at images of balmoral castle, the entrance to the estate and this is where the queen has been in residence since the month ofjuly, her traditional summer residence in the glorious surroundings of this part of scotland and, as we look at these images, i willjust talk once again to nicholas witchell, a royal correspondent because there was some lack of clarity earlier about what the sussexes were doing. they were not on the aircraft but are they on their way? not on the aircraft but are they on their wa ? , ., not on the aircraft but are they on their way?— their way? they are apparently travellin: their way? they are apparently travelling separate. _ their way? they are apparently travelling separate. the - their way? they are apparently travelling separate. the duke i their way? they are apparently i travelling separate. the duke and

duchess of sussex were not on the raf aircraft, the duke of cambridge, the duke of york and the earl and countess of wessex, those four members of the royal family who is all leaving the raf aircraft at aberdeen airport and boarding those three vehicles which are now under way to balmoral, the sussexes were not with them but they will join the rest of the family at balmoral castle and we are unaware of precisely what their travel arrangements are, whether they have their own separate private jet, arrangements are, whether they have their own separate privatejet, we do not know at this stage. their own separate private 'et, we do not know at this stage._ their own separate private 'et, we do not know at this stage. there we are, the do not know at this stage. there we are. the gates _ do not know at this stage. there we are, the gates of _ do not know at this stage. there we are, the gates of balmoral. - do not know at this stage. there we are, the gates of balmoral. we - do not know at this stage. there we are, the gates of balmoral. we are | are, the gates of balmoral. we are expecting to see the party that arrived at aberdeen airport making its way into the estate itself, as you said earlier, we've seen plenty of cars leaving but not many going on. but the true three vehicles

which left aberdeen airport a while ago, they should be arriving fairly soon, i would ago, they should be arriving fairly soon, iwould have ago, they should be arriving fairly soon, i would have thought. yes. whether they _ soon, i would have thought. yes. whether they go _ soon, i would have thought. yes. whether they go and _ soon, i would have thought. yes. whether they go and buy - soon, iwould have thought. ies whether they go and buy that main entrance there or whether they use one of the other many entrances of this large estate, maybe they would just wish to be rather more circumspect in the circumstances and not enter via the main gates because they know there will be a lot of media and television cameras, and so on gather that the main gate but we shall see. but i would have thought they are travelling through these towns, can carden and to ballater, which is the nearest to balmoral. it is quite a lengthyjourney, so they will not be rushing unduly. let’s will not be rushing unduly. let's talk to ask _ will not be rushing unduly. let's talk to ask scotland _ will not be rushing unduly. let's talk to ask scotland correspondent laura gordon at balmoral and we are

mentioning the conditions there. not a very swift journey from aberdeen but tells what is going on there. yeah, he a journey of a little over one hour from aberdeen airport so we would anticipate seeing those members of the royal family here at the main entrance to the balmoral estate at around 5pm or a little after. the road here is still open to the public, traffic is passing by the front of the castle gates. the armed guard presence outside is normal, that is usual for when the queen is in residence here but what is unusual is the local car park, which is often even at this time of yearfull of cars, which is often even at this time of year full of cars, members the public enjoying it, coming to view the balmoral estate, that has been closed to the public at this time

and of course there are some well—wishers gathering here. there are members of the press as well, some members of the press quite emotional which is unusual for people in this part of scotland who are quite reserved —— some people are quite reserved —— some people are also quite emotional with one gentleman saying he hopes her majesty the queen get some comfort from being somewhere she loves and she does love balmoral, she has been coming to this estate, this part of scotland since she was a child, it's very secluded, it is very secure, she has a great deal of privacy here and it's an area where she takes her dogs for walks in the local hills, the family have barbecues here, people are very loyal towards both the queen and the royal family and i think it's fair to say many people view her as their neighbour, she

goes to the church on a regular basis, the local minister recently was telling me how at one point she spokein was telling me how at one point she spoke in doric, the local dialect, to a lady who was at the annual church fete so an area she is actually fond of and it's fair to say the people who are extremely fond of the queen.— say the people who are extremely fond of the queen. thank you, we will obviously _ fond of the queen. thank you, we will obviously be _ fond of the queen. thank you, we will obviously be awaiting - fond of the queen. thank you, we will obviously be awaiting the - will obviously be awaiting the arrivals of the royal family members who have just arrived at aberdeen. while we look at these images and are monitoring reports, doctors have expressed concern about the state of the queen's health, i will bring in doctor ed owen who is the royal historian, author of the family firm, monarchy, mass media and the

public. good to have you with us. good afternoon. tide public. good to have you with us. good afternoon.— public. good to have you with us. good afternoon. we are waiting for news, we good afternoon. we are waiting for news. we are _ good afternoon. we are waiting for news, we are not _ good afternoon. we are waiting for news, we are not speculating, - good afternoon. we are waiting for news, we are not speculating, we | good afternoon. we are waiting for. news, we are not speculating, we are waiting to see what the royal household tells us about what is going on but clearly because of the circumstances of the day, we are thinking about the immense contribution the queen has made to public life and indeed to the life of the commonwealth and given what you've been writing about the royal family and what you call the family firm, what is your reflection today on what the queen has achieved? you it is days like these and earlier days in the year when she wasn't able to be present at key public events, those moments really bring into sharp focus the fact that this reign is drawing to a close. we have known that for some time. it has left historians like me wondering about what is her legacy. the great legacy of elizabeth ii is

that really she is briton's greatest constitutional monarch. she is the purest example of the politically neutral moniker, that has been her forte and it has meant her reign has been content uncontentious and uncontroversial because she hasn't voiced political opinions. i uncontroversial because she hasn't voiced political opinions.— voiced political opinions. i suppose for lots of people _ voiced political opinions. i suppose for lots of people they _ voiced political opinions. i suppose for lots of people they consider - for lots of people they consider that to be the ideal form for lots of people they consider that to be the idealform of monarchy, as you say. and yet one imagines that in an age where people speculate so much and social media can be an incredibly toxic space as well, how difficult has it been for the queen to maintain that kind of neutrality? the queen to maintain that kind of neutrali ? , . ., neutrality? extremely challenging, not least because _ neutrality? extremely challenging, not least because we _ neutrality? extremely challenging, not least because we do _ neutrality? extremely challenging, not least because we do live - neutrality? extremely challenging, not least because we do live in - neutrality? extremely challenging, not least because we do live in a l not least because we do live in a more angry age, i think it is fair to say. and politics has become polarised. there has been a movement away from the centre away from the

left and right in recent years. therefore it makes the job of monica, constitutional monarch, that much more difficult. —— thejob of monarch. in terms of voicing her opinions and keeping guarded has been her strength. for example, opinions and keeping guarded has been herstrength. for example, in relation to scotland, where you are reporting from today, she has voiced subtle concerns about the state of the union and her desire that england, scotland, wales, and northern ireland remain together. very rarely has she voiced concerns about that. . very rarely has she voiced concerns about that-— about that. she did so in 1977, which was _ about that. she did so in 1977, which was before _ about that. she did so in 1977, which was before the - about that. she did so in 1977, which was before the 79 - about that. she did so in 1977, - which was before the 79 referendums in wales and scotland. those were notable exceptions. lots of speculation around the brexit period about what her majesty's views might or might not be. she steadfastly refused to be drawn on any of it.

absolutely. no matter her political opinion, she has gone through the routine and duty of welcoming new prime ministers into office, bidding others farewell, as we saw earlier this week. and she has done that throughout her reign, stretching right back to winston churchill. there is another aspect, of course, which is that the audiences with prime ministers, which we have heard so much about, and there was one on tuesday with the new prime minister, liz truss, that traditionally is said to be a forum where the queen will allow herself to express a view on politically sensitive things in the full knowledge that the audience is totally confidential. one imagines that there are quite a few former prime ministers and indeed the current one who will be aware of the current one who will be aware of the queen's views on rather touchy subjects. the queen's views on rather touchy sub'ects. ., . the queen's views on rather touchy sub'ects. ., , . ., , subjects. that is certainly the case. as subjects. that is certainly the case- as you _ subjects. that is certainly the case. as you rightly - subjects. that is certainly the case. as you rightly point - subjects. that is certainly the | case. as you rightly point out, those audiences with prime ministers are meant to be strictly confidential. it has occasionally

happen to that indiscreet prime ministers have let some of their conversations be known. either through their own memoirs or other channels. generally speaking, the prime ministers have maintained the silence is a radically key audiences they have with the queen where she has been known to certainly warn and advise and encourage prime ministers in different ways.— in different ways. when the transition — in different ways. when the transition happens, - in different ways. when the l transition happens, whenever in different ways. when the - transition happens, whenever it is and hopefully it won't be yet, we will of course be looking at the likely accession of someone who has been very happy and determined to express views on some things. what will that mean in terms of recalibrating the kind of relationship between a monarch and the british people who have become used to, as you rightly say, this pattern, this very stable pattern that we have now?— that we have now? firstly it is important _ that we have now? firstly it is important to _

that we have now? firstly it is important to note _ that we have now? firstly it is important to note that - that we have now? firstly it is important to note that prince | important to note that prince charles said on the anniversary of his 70th birthday in a programme that i think was made by the bbc that i think was made by the bbc that when he did eventually accede to the throne, he would prevent... he would stop uttering his political opinions, he would stop stating his views publicly. he would play the role of a good constitutional monarch. that is what is expected of him. i think the public expect him to follow the model of his mother. nevertheless, he has shown himself to be a man of a broad range of opinions. i suppose it remains to be seen whether the new monarch, when that day comes, does continue the example. and i think it is an exemplary model that elizabeth ii has demonstrated, or whether they do things differently. if they do court controversy by altering their political ideas —— by uttering. they

will cause problems. they find themselves on the opposite side to public opinion or a section of public opinion or a section of public opinion. dr public opinion or a section of public opinion.— public opinion or a section of ublic oinion. , , _, ., public opinion. dr ed owens come a ve tood public opinion. dr ed owens come a very good to — public opinion. dr ed owens come a very good to talk — public opinion. dr ed owens come a very good to talk to _ public opinion. dr ed owens come a very good to talk to you _ public opinion. dr ed owens come a very good to talk to you and - public opinion. dr ed owens come a very good to talk to you and thank i very good to talk to you and thank you so much for your time today. dr ed owens, the author of the family firm: monarchy, mass media and the british public 1932-1953. firm: monarchy, mass media and the british public 1932—1953. good to talk to him. here we are, nice contrast of images. on the right—hand side, some of the flight past which queen enjoyed so much during the platinum jubilee. past which queen enjoyed so much during the platinumjubilee. the opening day of the platinum jubilee celebrations after the birthday parade and horse guards parade, which she won't have been able to attend. the balcony appearance delighted so many people. the queen clearly enjoyed it. they're in the company of quite a few generations of the royal family. 70 being marked out by the aircraft in the sky. a

really amazing display by the royal air force on that day. in combination with lots of different aircraft on the day. including a big finale with the red arrows who, by tradition, will really signal the end of the big flight past. that was the end of a very big flight past of the end of a very big flight past of the platinumjubilee, the the end of a very big flight past of the platinum jubilee, the 70th year of the queen's reign. no one questioned that the queen enjoyed every second of that because she obviously did. on the left—hand side of the screen we have rather different image, which is a rather dull and wet day at balmoral, where the queen is now in residence and where the monarch's health is a source of great concern, profound concern according to the first minister of scotland right now. the

queen's health is causing anxiety to her doctors and the family. the family we can see on the balcony backin family we can see on the balcony back in thejubilee, quite a few of those on the balcony are either at balmoral right now, including the prince of wales and the duchess of cornwall, the princess royal and the duke of cambridge. he is on his way. there we have some of the crowds gathered at buckingham palace today. all eyes are really and all thoughts focused on balmoral, where the queen's comfort, of course, the queen's comfort, of course, the queen's medical care very much the priority for everyone. all we can do now is to take note of the report that was issued at lunchtime, which was that the doctors were concerned about her health, something they have not said before. it was something that alerted everyone to the seriousness of the situation. and then to await a further statement from the palace whenever

that comes. we have no guidance on that. it would be nice to have a statement from the palace saying the queen has improved and that she feels better. but we have no idea when the next statement will come. i am going to bring in the well commentator victoria howard, who is the editor of the royal news website, the crown chronicles. thank you forjoining us. what are you —— your reflections as we follow these events today? the your reflections as we follow these events today?— your reflections as we follow these events today? the concern everyone is showin: events today? the concern everyone is showing about _ events today? the concern everyone is showing about the _ events today? the concern everyone is showing about the monarch. - events today? the concern everyone is showing about the monarch. as i events today? the concern everyone. is showing about the monarch. as you said, it is very unusual for the palace to comment in this way that her doctors are concerned about the state of her health. naturally that has put everyone on high alert as to what is actually going on. she has beenin what is actually going on. she has been in decline a bit with her mobility issues in recent months. it sends alarm bells ringing, particularly as the family are trying to go and see her, with many people speculating on what that actually means. tide

people speculating on what that actually means.— actually means. we are 'ust ebvieusiyi actually means. we are 'ust obviously following * actually means. we are 'ust obviously following the h actually means. we are just i obviously following the reports actually means. we are just - obviously following the reports of who is on their way to balmoral. i understand at this stage actually, victoria, that the duke of sussex is on his way. he didn't travel with the other group. but that the duchess of sussex, apparently, contrary to reports we had earlier, is not travelling to balmoral. what do you make of that? —— we heard. that is kind of unusual, actually. we had a bit of a tumultuous time with the royals and harry and meghan in recent years with their interviews and talking about their situation and experience of the royal family. that strikes me as a little bit odd when most of the royals are going in couples, charles and camilla, we think edward and sophie have travelled together. slightly strange that we don't believe the duchess of cambridge is there either. perhaps that is more looking after the children, thinking of the widerfamily. looking after the children, thinking of the wider family. sending the most close members of the family to

see her. maybe that indicates something to do with the state of the relationship. we can only speculate about that. things aren't always as rosy as they might seem within the house of windsor on that front. ibts within the house of windsor on that front. �* . . within the house of windsor on that front. . , , . ., , ., ., front. as we see crowds gathering at the alace front. as we see crowds gathering at the palace and _ front. as we see crowds gathering at the palace and as _ front. as we see crowds gathering at the palace and as we _ front. as we see crowds gathering at the palace and as we were saying i the palace and as we were saying earlier, it is not the kind of day in central london where lots of crowds will come out at this point anyway because of the rain. i suppose looking for messages and wanting to leave messages of support for the queen. it's a good moment for the queen. it's a good moment for us to reflect really on the kinds of presents and consistency and reassurance that the queen's appearance has given so many. i agree. when people look at the monarchy, what does it do, are there

any benefits? that consistency and reliability is one of those. she has been head of state for over 70 years. for her to no longer be there potentially, the day will eventually come, that will be a huge change. so few people can remember a world without the queen in it as our head of state. that consistency, always knowing that she is there is very comforting to people. you can only need to look at the pandemic and the video message, "we will meet again" and how much people respected her for giving that comforting message at that time when the people really needed it to know that that is one of the core benefits of having a monarchy in the uk. people turning out at the palace is a sign of that, they are showing their good wishes. she is a very well respected woman. it is a sign that people are thinking of her and the wider royal family at this difficult time. events have moved at such a rapid rate over the past few years. we are talking about the queen who has her

own health problems, clearly, and then on top of that, the challenge of the pandemic and lockdown at the very poignant image of the queen sitting alone at st george's chapel, having lost her husband of 73 years. the pressure is notjust with health problems the queen is dealing with but the stresses and strains of tuning —— strains of dealing with grief as well. tuning -- strains of dealing with grief as well-— grief as well. many people will reco . nise grief as well. many people will recognise that _ grief as well. many people will recognise that in _ grief as well. many people will recognise that in their- grief as well. many people will recognise that in their own - recognise that in their own families. it is very difficult for the person left behind in an older couple. that can have a detrimental effect on their health. not only that, the stresses of dealing with public life. the queen only takes two days off a year, christmas day and easter sunday when she doesn't have her government red box of papers. there is always something going on for her. at 96, that goes well beyond the realm of the pension age to kind of slowdown. we have seen that in recent years, charles

stepping up a bit more to take on some of those roles from her, most notably recently at the state opening of parliament. it has to be remembered, that is such a lifelong pressure as mama that it must take its toll. she has enjoyed remarkably good health over the decades otherwise —— lifelong pressure as monarch. otherwise -- lifelong pressure as monarch. . ., ., ., ., ,, ., monarch. victoria, good to talk to ou. monarch. victoria, good to talk to you- editor _ monarch. victoria, good to talk to you- editor of— monarch. victoria, good to talk to you. editor of the _ monarch. victoria, good to talk to you. editor of the raw _ monarch. victoria, good to talk to you. editor of the raw news - monarch. victoria, good to talk to i you. editor of the raw news website the crown chronicles. i would like to go back to windsor if i can. —— rolling news website. helena wilkinson, my colleague, is keeping an eye on things for us. helena, we are seeing some crowds gathering at buckingham palace. iam are seeing some crowds gathering at buckingham palace. i am wondering what the position is at windsor? tide what the position is at windsor? we have what the position is at windsor? e have spoken to a number of people in the town centre. for those that aren't aware, the castle is right in

the centre of windsor. it is a royal town. a number of people emotional after hearing the news about the queen's health. some people have met the queen, of course. many locals who live in this area are very —— very much consider the queen as a local as their neighbour. there is concern about the queen's health and hearing the news. of course, the castle attracts a lot of visitors every year. a number of them have been emerging from the gates after visiting the castle today. some heard news about the queen's health while inside but others were completely unaware when they came out. when you spoke about the duke of cambridge, who we know is on his way to see his grandmother, at balmoral, we know the cambridges moved recently to windsor where they live now, about a mile away from the castle, we saw those images today of

the cambridge children starting theirfirst full day at the cambridge children starting their first full day at lambrook school, which is in berkshire. we understand the duchess of cambridge has not travelled with the duke of cambridge. one suspects that is probably because she wants to be there to support her children, three children, their three children, after their first children, their three children, after theirfirst day. we heard children, their three children, after their first day. we heard as well this castle, windsor castle, is where the queen spent much of the last two and a half years. it is one of her favourite royal residences. and probably her favourite working well residents. it is a place where she feels very comfortable. —— working royal residence. she has lots of space. she spent lots of lockdown with her husband, the duke of edinburgh. they celebrated in november 2020 there 73rd wedding anniversary here. they have spent a

lot of time here together during that period. of course, she has traditionally spent the summer months in balmoral, so she was last here at windsor castle in july. normally, she would tend to return her to windsor castle in october. the town centre, a great deal of concern after that news of the queen's health, that statement. probably worth repeating for viewers who haven't heard, who are just joining us, that statement from buckingham palace, which we gotjust after 12:30pm this afternoon. it says, "following further evaluation this morning, the queen's doctors are concerned for her majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision". the statement goes on to say, "the queen remains comfortable and at balmoral". but as we have been talking about throughout the afternoon, very rare for the palace

toissue afternoon, very rare for the palace to issue statements about the queen's health. it is very much considered a private matter. given they have released a statement, added to that the fact that very quickly we have seen members of the queen's immediate family travel to balmoral, i think there is a great deal of anxiety and concern about how the queen is.— deal of anxiety and concern about how the queen is. thank you very much. how the queen is. thank you very much- latest _ how the queen is. thank you very much. latest in _ how the queen is. thank you very much. latest in windsor - how the queen is. thank you very much. latest in windsor from - how the queen is. thank you very i much. latest in windsor from helena wilkinson. we are now looking at images from balmoral and now buckingham palace where there are more crowds gathering. we mentioned earlier that our understanding now was that the duke of sussex, harry, is not travelling up to balmoral with his wife, with meghan. it is understood that meghan will be remaining in london. she will not attend the well—child awards, the next thing on the diary but it is said the duchess could potentially join harry in scotland at a later

date. following this change of plan. nicholas witchell is with me. what do we make of that? nicholas witchell is with me. what do we make of that?— nicholas witchell is with me. what do we make of that? yes, what do we make of that? — do we make of that? yes, what do we make of that? they _ do we make of that? yes, what do we make of that? they have _ do we make of that? yes, what do we make of that? they have concluded i make of that? they have concluded this really isn't a moment for meghan to be there with the other close members of the family. with the queen so she has stayed at windsor. we know the duchess of cambridge has stayed at windsor because of the three children have just started a new school. there is every reason why perhaps she would be required to remain at home. why the duchess of sussex, meghan, has stayed behind? well, undoubtedly people will circulate about that. but i think that perhaps theyjust felt this wasn't a moment for her to be up at balmoral. she might not be terribly warmly welcomed, to be perfectly candid. but i am sure they will be a moment for the family to

all come together.— will be a moment for the family to all come together. when we look at the latest information _ all come together. when we look at the latest information that - all come together. when we look at the latest information that we - all come together. when we look at | the latest information that we have, we don't have a lot beyond the statement made at lunchtime by the medical team, which is that they are concerned about the queen's health, which is why you are watching this special coverage from bbc news. we are reporting on the doctors' concern on the queen's health and the alarm that has understandably caused. and the concern is sufficient indeed for the queen's close family to be making its way to balmoral as we speak. some of them are already there, including the prince of wales and the princess royal. the duke of cambridge, for example, the duke of york, the earl of wessex, they are all on their way to balmoral, having landed at aberdeen airport within the past hour or so. they won't be too long before getting there. the focus on buckingham palace in london, clearly understandable because that is the

building associated with the royal family. and that great balcony where the queen was so happily appearing on the first day of thejubilee celebrations back injune. to sum up where we are right now, it is now for pm. that statement was at least three and a half hours ago. —— it is 4:51pm. what would you say to viewers who are justjoining the coverage? viewers who are 'ust 'oining the covera . e? viewers who are 'ust 'oining the coverate? ., ., .,, viewers who are 'ust 'oining the coverate? ., ., ., , ., viewers who are 'ust 'oining the coverate? ., ., .,, ., , coverage? the mood, as we have been sa int, is coverage? the mood, as we have been saying. is sombre- _ coverage? the mood, as we have been saying, is sombre. the _ coverage? the mood, as we have been saying, is sombre. the concern - coverage? the mood, as we have been saying, is sombre. the concern is - saying, is sombre. the concern is deep. as we have been saying, buckingham palace has expressed the concern being felt by the royal doctors and the fact that so many members of the close family have broken off from their arrangements today and flown as quickly as possible up to balmoral en route to

pace castle at the moment, that says everything, really. i have also been wondering whether the fact there does not appear to be any consideration for the sort of medical intervention that would require a hospital visit. that perhaps also is telling. we were told the queen in that statement just after midday is comfortable at balmoral. well, wejust must just after midday is comfortable at balmoral. well, we just must wait for any further information. one does not get the impression that they are considering the kind of treatment, the kind of response, that would require removal to aberdeen royal infirmary. that would be a journey of nearly 50 miles. that would be quite challenging. whatever it is that the royal doctors are doing, whatever treatment they are able to apply, thatis treatment they are able to apply, that is happening at balmoral. we can be sure they will have made all the arrangements that can be made to ensure that treatment, appropriate

treatment, it is possible. but, again, we are in danger of speculating. far better that we wait for any hard facts. at the moment, there is no sign of anything from there is no sign of anything from the palace. i stress it may be that they are awaiting the arrival of these other members of the royal family, so that they can just be appraised of the latest situation before anything further is said. ok. before anything further is said. ok, that is the position, as we speak, thank you, nick. letsjoin lorna gordon, our colleague at balmoral. we are looking at the main entrance to the estate. no sign yet of the arrivals from aberdeen airport? h0. arrivals from aberdeen airport? no, no sin of arrivals from aberdeen airport? ijrr, no sign of those arrivals. it is a journey of around 14 miles but the gates to the balmoral estate remain closed. there are other entrances to

the estate. one would expect a motorcade like this to arrive through the main entrance. the road here can be slow at this time of year, it is still heavy with tourists. it is quite windy. the weather is also quite poor today in the north of scotland. one would anticipate the royal household to arrive here at around five p m, perhaps a little after. of course, this is an area which the royal family knows well, it is an area that the queen is extremely fond of. she has been coming to the balmoral estate since she was a child. she spends almost every summer here. she arrived this year in mid—july, so she has been in residence for a little over eight weeks. it is an area where she is said to feel most at home. it is

very secure, secluded and extremely peaceful. the family is known to have barbecues here. she goes for long walks in the hills and she is known to past members of the public from time to time. people who live in this area are extremely fond of her and we have spoken to people in neighbouring towns and villages and in the past, they had talked of her as being their neighbour, their —— they are extremely protective of both her majesty the queen and the royal family. crathie kirk, she is a member of the congregation, it is a few hundred metres down the road. when i last spoke to the minister, he told me some anecdotes of her time here. she regularly attends the local church fete. in fact, one year, one of the congregation spoke to her in the local dialect here, which is known as doric. and the queen replied in kind, she knows the

local dialect spoken in this aberdeenshire area. she knows this area and the people that live in this area in turn are very fond of her. we saw her in those pictures a little earlier this week, on tuesday, when she met the outgoing and incoming prime ministers. she looked in good form, she was smiling in those photographs. ordinarily, this is not a place where she performs public and official duties. this is a very private place for the queen. and a place which she is said to cherish. ., ., ., ., ., to cherish. ok, lorna, lorna gordon, our scotland — to cherish. ok, lorna, lorna gordon, our scotland correspondent - to cherish. ok, lorna, lorna gordon, our scotland correspondent live - our scotland correspondent live outside balmoral, where the reigns lashing down. you are watching this bbc news special on the concerns,

significant health concerns on the team of doctors. they are taking care of the queen at balmoral. we just had the latest from an estate thatis just had the latest from an estate that is relatively secluded compared to our next location where damien chromatic is is standing by at buckingham palace. the news a bit earlier on today. the doctors in scotland were concerned about the queen's health, coming as liz truss was making a rather important a statement concerning the future of energy bills. of course, that insignificant now given the gravity of the situation we are experiencing with her majesty. certainly experiencing with her ma'esty. certainly overshadowed. interference you can probably _ certainly overshadowed. interference you can probably see _ certainly overshadowed. interference you can probably see all— certainly overshadowed. interference you can probably see all of— certainly overshadowed. interference you can probably see all of the - you can probably see all of the umbrellas. earlier today, the usual

visitors, the tourists here, and as that announcement came from the palace, the news sort of spread through the crowd. there was concern here. concern too just down the road in the palace of westminster, the house of commons. the announcement or the news obviously spread through the chamber as that debate about energy policy was happening. new prime minister liz truss was there. the leader of the opposition was there. the leader of the liberal democrats, sir ed davey, was there. they were very quickly briefed. they released statements, all of them, all repeating similar things, all saying, as liz truss did, that the whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from buckingham palace and extending thoughts of people across the uk with her majesty and herfamily. sir keir starmer same thing as well, he

said, along with the rest of the country, deeply worried by the news from buckingham palace. sir ed davey, "the whole nation because my thoughts and prayers with her majesty the queen" everyone is hoping for her recovery. that debate obviously ongoing. it went on into the afternoon. as you say, attention was very much focused on to the queen and her health of the royal family. other prime ministers who served under her then came out and have also been sending their thoughts at this time. tony blair and... he came out. david cameron came out. we heard this afternoon from downing street, across st james's park. downing street not very far away. the prime minister's official spokesman has simply said this afternoon that liz truss is now working in downing street. there will be no more updates from downing

street itself about any communications with the palace. updates will come from the palace. and no plans for the prime minister, liz truss, to travel to scotland today or tomorrow. the liz truss, to travel to scotland today or tomorrow. the queen has dealt with 15 _ today or tomorrow. the queen has dealt with 15 prime _ today or tomorrow. the queen has dealt with 15 prime ministers - dealt with 15 prime ministers through her long reign, the first sir winston churchill and, of course, she invited liz truss to become prime ministerjust this week. she has not only been a constant in the social life of this country but also in the political life. of this country but also in the political life. of this nation as well. yes, exactly, absolutely. right back to winston churchill, her first prime minister through the 70 years that she has been on the throne. 15 prime ministers, as you say. and a dozen us presidents at the same time have passed through office. those 15 prime ministers have been used to

that constant presence with the queen coming here for weekly audiences at buckingham palace. the guidance and audiences they have had have been a feature throughout. that has been an important part of those prime ministerial offices. the guidance she could give, the experience she could bring to bear. and the relationships she built and also the relationships she has built around the world. she obviously has been highly travelled, head of state of 14 other countries. crucially important role in places like canada, australia. that rain is really coming down now, you may well hear it on our shelter.

important role in the political life of this nation but also of many other nations. se countries right across the caribbean, africa and beyond —— so countries. in all of them as well, i'm sure, the situation now, the clean's health being watched very closely, and a real concern. —— the queen's health. closely, and a real concern. -- the queen's health.— closely, and a real concern. -- the queen's health. thank you, damian grammaticas. _ queen's health. thank you, damian grammaticas, live. _ queen's health. thank you, damian grammaticas, live. good _ queen's health. thank you, damian| grammaticas, live. good afternoon. you are watching bbc news. it is just after five o'clock and the top story of course is that the queen is under medical supervision at balmoral in scotland after doctors became concerned for her health, and we have had a statement from buckingham palace which was released earlier this afternoon which said that the 96—year—old monarch was

placed under supervision after further evaluation, but she remains comfortable. the bbc understands all four of her children are either inside the grounds of the balmoral estate in aberdeenshire or are travelling there. that is the plane that has landed, within the last hour or so, with members of her family. arriving on an raf plane in scotland to be by her bedside. we know prince charles has travelled to the estate with the duchess of cornwall. in the last hour. and that is the plane that has landed there, and on board was the duke of cambridge, prince andrew, the duke of york and the earl and countess of wessex. prince harry is also we understand on his way to balmoral but he is travelling without his

wife, meghan, the duchess of sussex. throughout the day reactions have been pouring in with the prime minister liz truss saying the whole country will be deeply concerned by the news of the queen's health, and she said her thoughts and those of everyone in the uk are with the queen and herfamily. this everyone in the uk are with the queen and her family. this was just two days ago, of course, when the new prime minister was officially asked by the queen to form a government at balmoral. liz truss becoming the 15th prime minister of the queen's reign, and of course that event not taking place in london as would normally be the custom but in balmoral in scotland due to the queen's health. the day started as planned with the statement by the prime minister on a package of plans to help people with

soaring energy bills, the biggest announced in post—war history but as prime minister liz truss set out her plans that use was interrupted with the news of the queen's health and the news of the queen's health and the speaker of the house of commons, sir lindsay hoyle, interrupted proceedings to send the best wishes of everyone in parliament. i utiii of everyone in parliament. i will say something _ of everyone in parliament. i will say something about _ of everyone in parliament. i will say something about the - of everyone in parliament. ii-i' ii. say something about the announcement which has just been say something about the announcement which hasjust been made about say something about the announcement which has just been made about her majesty. i know i speak on behalf of the entire house when i say we send out around best wishes to her majesty the queen, and that she and the royal family are in our thoughts and prayers at this moment. i will take no more. if there is anything else it will go accordingly. that was the speaker _ else it will go accordingly. that was the speaker of _ else it will go accordingly. that was the speaker of the - else it will go accordingly. that was the speaker of the house of commons speaking a little earlier. we have had some reaction coming in from the white house. the president's thoughts are on the queen. that is from the united states. these pictures of the

members of the royal family who have arrived on that private plane, the raf plane, in the last hour or so, and those are the vehicles arriving there at the balmoral estate. we understand, with members of the close family of the queen there, to be by her bedside. the rain is lashing down at balmoral there. the queen having been there for quite a few weeks now and, as i say, she has been having mobility problems. it has been pointed out, and unable to take part in a number of engagements. our royal correspondent nick witchell is here with me. itiihl’hat nick witchell is here with me. what a bleak day. _ nick witchell is here with me. what

a bleak day, both _ nick witchell is here with me. what a bleak day, both here _ nick witchell is here with me. what a bleak day, both here in _ nick witchell is here with me. what a bleak day, both here in london nick witchell is here with me. iii"i:git a bleak day, both here in london and at balmoral. the rain lashing down, those three vehicles having made the journey from aberdeen airport. we saw them moving into the main gates of balmoral castle, so the family now is really together, prince charles and camilla had been there for some hours because of course they live nearby. the princess royal is also in scotland at balmoral at the moment so she has been there for some hours but i'd estimate the rest of the close family, the other children, the duke of york and the earl and countess of wessex, they were in those vehicles, and the duke of cambridge, travelling without his wife catherine who has remained in windsor to be with their three children who have started school today. no sign of the duke of sussex so far. we understand he is travelling separately. it is not quite clear how. i think there was a scheduled flight arriving in aberdeen a few moments ago but it is not clear whether he was on that or has made his own separate travel arrangements, but the family is together. there is no sign of any

further information from buckingham palace, or no suggestion there will be anything in the next little while, but i would imagine they will need to say something because the level of interest, the level of concern, and we are notjust talking about this country, this is a story thatis about this country, this is a story that is dominating headlines around the world which is eliciting expressions of concern from political leaders in just about every major country. this is a monarch, head of state, longest reign, longest living in our history, but this is somebody who is greatly respected and admired by other heads of state and other politicians in every part of the world. , ., ., ,, politicians in every part of the world. ,, ., ,, a politicians in every part of the world. ,, ., «i , world. indeed, you talk, nick, but that concern _ world. indeed, you talk, nick, but that concern globally, _ world. indeed, you talk, nick, but that concern globally, and - world. indeed, you talk, nick, but that concern globally, and i - that concern globally, and i mentioned a little earlier thatjoe biden“s press secretary at the white house, apparently he has said his

thoughts are with the queen and her family. justin trudeau of canada has tweeted, his thoughts and the thoughts of canadians across the country are with her majesty the queen at this time. he says they are wishing her well and sending their best to the royal family. that is the tweet from the canadian prime minister there, justin trudeau. the family are now gathered at balmoral. a place that is a little bit more secluded and offering a measure of more privacy perhaps than buckingham palace. i suppose it is a place the queen has loved and adored for such a long time now and perhaps the place where her doctors, who were concerned about her health, perhaps where she is most comfortable, one might argue? where she is most comfortable, one mightargue? it is where she is most comfortable, one might argue?— might argue? it is certainly a place that offers considerable _ might argue? it is certainly a place that offers considerable peace - might argue? it is certainly a place that offers considerable peace and| that offers considerable peace and tranquillity. as lorna gordon was

saying a few moments ago, it is a favourite place, a favourite residence of the queen. she has known it since her childhood, and i think that she will have really been very determined and keen to get there for an extended summer break after a period when her health clearly has been questionable. she had been unable, as we know, to get to some of the significant events in thejubilee and i'm quite sure she was looking forward to an opportunity when she could get away up opportunity when she could get away up to scotland and we mustn't forget her scottish roots. her mother was of course scottish. she feels a great affinity with scotland. we speculated earlier about undoubted private concern about the state of the union. that is something that is very close to her heart, but very close privately to her heart because she above all would recognise the constraints of her constitutional position. she would never express a view on that, but i think it was

very important to her to feel that the united kingdom would remain the united kingdom. look, this isn't an afternoon to be going in that direction. it is an afternoon to be considering the current state of her health. on that, we are unable to share any further information beyond that which buckingham palace put out just before lunchtime, this unprecedented statement from her doctors, notwithstanding it is now some months since there was a change in direction in her health last october, when she undertook light duties, when she was advised to rest, and we have seen much less of her since last october throughout this summer, and much less of her during thejubilee and so on. but throughout those many months the palace, the doctors, have neverfelt it necessary to indicate that her state of health was giving rise to concern. now, they don't use that word lightly. if they say they are concerned, then it is clear that

something of deep concern has happened or has changed. there are rumours but nobody knows actually what has happened other than the members of the medical household, the members of the royal household who are there, and now the family members who are inside balmoral castle and who, one assumes, are at the queen's bedside and being brought up—to—date with what the latest situation is. i think, as i was saying and minute or two i go, the fact there appears to be no consideration given to moving her to hospital, that suggests there is no further treatment or significant treatment that is being contemplated. whatever it is that is being done, we must assume it is being done, we must assume it is being done, we must assume it is being done at balmoral castle. and we can assume i think, very safely, that the medical household will have ensured that all the sort of medical arrangements that might be necessary will have been made, that

contingency plans will have been thought through so that whatever it is, whether it is the episodic mobility issue, which has clearly been troubling her and prevented her from travelling down to london for the appointment of the new prime minister, orwhether the appointment of the new prime minister, or whether there is and has been some underlying condition that they have never actually described or shared with us, as must be the suspicion, i think, but we do not know because, quite rightly, the queen's health is regarded as a matter which is due to and entitled to patient confidentiality and is essentially a private matter. so, you know, that is the situation. the other members of the family have arrived. we saw them sweeping into balmoral a few moments ago and we just await whatever further news may emerge. i stressed about“'may“', because there is no sign at this point of anything further from

buckingham palace but that could clearly break just at any buckingham palace but that could clearly breakjust at any moment or change at any moment.— change at any moment. indeed, it could. pictures _ change at any moment. indeed, it could. pictures on _ change at any moment. indeed, it could. pictures on the _ change at any moment. indeed, it could. pictures on the left, - change at any moment. indeed, it could. pictures on the left, the . could. pictures on the left, the estate of balmoral and aberdeenshire, where doctors are concerned for the health of the queen. members of the family have arrived on an raf plane in the last hour and a half, arrived on an raf plane in the last hourand a half, and arrived on an raf plane in the last hour and a half, and the have travelled over to balmoral from the airport and they have just arrived in the last 15—20 minutes or so, some of the comings and goings there at balmoral. of course, nick, over the last couple of engagements, i think, it can be said we have seen the queen using a walking stick? irate the queen using a walking stick? we first the queen using a walking stick? - first saw that actually last september, i think it was, after... no, early october, after she returned from balmoral last year. it was actually at westminster abbey,

to service marking the centenary of the british legion where we saw her using a walking stick for the first time in public, and then she was in cardiff for an event at the welsh parliament and it was just after that, those two engagements, when everything seems to be all right, albeit that she had a stick and it was then on october 20 that something changed because that was the day when they cancelled her visit to northern ireland at very short notice and put out a statement that she had been advised by her doctors to rest and she was then brought into the king edward vii hospital in london for some tests for a preliminary investigation. we were never told what that was all about. ok, again, patient confidentiality, and you will remember they try to bring her into hospital without making a public statement about it and it emerged the following day she had been in and kept overnight. and that was the moment at which something changed.

it has been suggested that perhaps she had a fall, we don't know, and fair enough, she had a fall, we don't know, and fairenough, i she had a fall, we don't know, and fair enough, i mean, that is all private and so on. but since then there has been a significant weight loss and we have seen much, much less of her. she has missed these significant events and i sense that there has been just significant events and i sense that there has beenjust a gradual deterioration in her health, nothing certainly until today... nothing, until today, certainly until today... nothing, untiltoday, nothing certainly until today... nothing, until today, nothing sudden, certainly until today... nothing, untiltoday, nothing sudden, but certainly until today... nothing, until today, nothing sudden, but she has looked more and more frail, and i think by consensus she looked pretty frail in the photograph of her with liz truss on tuesday. thank ou, her with liz truss on tuesday. thank you. nicholas _ her with liz truss on tuesday. thank you, nicholas witchell, _ her with liz truss on tuesday. thank you, nicholas witchell, royal- you, nicholas witchell, royal correspondent who has been keeping us up—to—date with developments throughout the day. i think we can go now to our royal correspondent helena wilkinson, who is live at windsor. it seems the sun has crept out where you are. it is lashing it

down at buckingham palace and in scotland. does that suggest perhaps there may be a few more people outside, where you are, wanting to know what is going on? yes. outside, where you are, wanting to know what is going on?— know what is going on? yes, it was ”ourin know what is going on? yes, it was pouring with _ know what is going on? yes, it was pouring with rain _ know what is going on? yes, it was pouring with rain earlier _ know what is going on? yes, it was pouring with rain earlier here, - pouring with rain earlier here, clive, — pouring with rain earlier here, clive, but _ pouring with rain earlier here, clive, but the residents windsor and we have _ clive, but the residents windsor and we have spoken to a number of locals on the _ we have spoken to a number of locals on the high _ we have spoken to a number of locals on the high street who have been emotionai— on the high street who have been emotional on hearing the news about the queen's health. some people have met the _ the queen's health. some people have met the queen and we spoke to one wornan— met the queen and we spoke to one woman who — met the queen and we spoke to one woman who heard the news and came from west— woman who heard the news and came from west london, about half an hour away, _ from west london, about half an hour away, and _ from west london, about half an hour away, and she wanted to be here outside _ away, and she wanted to be here outside the castle. windsor castle of course — outside the castle. windsor castle of course is one of the queen's favourite — of course is one of the queen's favourite royal residences. she spent — favourite royal residences. she spent most of the last two and a half years— spent most of the last two and a half years or so here since the covid — half years or so here since the covid pandemic, the first lockdown. she spent— covid pandemic, the first lockdown. she spent the time here with her late husband, the duke of edinburgh,

so she _ late husband, the duke of edinburgh, so she holds the castle very dear to her and _ so she holds the castle very dear to her and it— so she holds the castle very dear to her and it is— so she holds the castle very dear to her and it is a place that she very much _ her and it is a place that she very much likes— her and it is a place that she very much likes to be. she left here of course _ much likes to be. she left here of course in — much likes to be. she left here of course injuly to go much likes to be. she left here of course in july to go to balmoral, which _ course in july to go to balmoral, which is — course in july to go to balmoral, which is what she traditionally does to spend _ which is what she traditionally does to spend her summer months there. traditionally, she would return to windsor— traditionally, she would return to windsor castle in october, but the feeling _ windsor castle in october, but the feeling you get here in windsor, having _ feeling you get here in windsor, having spoken to locals and also tourists — having spoken to locals and also tourists as — having spoken to locals and also tourists as well who are emerging from _ tourists as well who are emerging from the — tourists as well who are emerging from the get here at windsor castle is one _ from the get here at windsor castle is one of— from the get here at windsor castle is one of concern, one of anxiety about— is one of concern, one of anxiety about the — is one of concern, one of anxiety about the queen. also people are 'ust about the queen. also people are just wanting to know exactly how she is. i just wanting to know exactly how she is ithink— just wanting to know exactly how she is i think it— just wanting to know exactly how she is. i think it is worth repeating that— is. i think it is worth repeating that statement that we had from the palace _ that statement that we had from the palace earlier on today, that statement which we got just after 1230 _ statement which we got just after 1230 this— statement which we got just after 12.30 this afternoon, and that said, "following — 12.30 this afternoon, and that said, "following further evaluation this morning — "following further evaluation this morning the queen's doctors are concerned — morning the queen's doctors are concerned for her majesty's health

and have _ concerned for her majesty's health and have recommended she remain under— and have recommended she remain under medical supervision", and the statement _ under medical supervision", and the statement went on to say the queen remains — statement went on to say the queen remains comfortable and at balmoral. but we _ remains comfortable and at balmoral. but we know from previous experience that the _ but we know from previous experience that the palace often don't give a running _ that the palace often don't give a running commentary, they don't issue statements— running commentary, they don't issue statements about the queen's health, as nick— statements about the queen's health, as nick was— statements about the queen's health, as nick wasjust mentioning, because they very— as nick wasjust mentioning, because they very much regard those matters as private _ they very much regard those matters as private matters. so by them to issue _ as private matters. so by them to issue that — as private matters. so by them to issue that statement, that doctors are concerned about the queens luke mclean's _ are concerned about the queens luke mclean's health, that she is comfortable, as that statement said earlier— comfortable, as that statement said eariier on— comfortable, as that statement said earlier on today —— the queen's health. — earlier on today —— the queen's health. and _ earlier on today —— the queen's health, and that she is comfortable. but we _ health, and that she is comfortable. but we have immediate members of the royal family travelling to balmoral to see _ royal family travelling to balmoral to see the queen, and i think if you add those _ to see the queen, and i think if you add those two together it just gives add those two together it just gives a sense _ add those two together it just gives a sense of— add those two together it just gives a sense of the concern about how the queen— a sense of the concern about how the queen is _ a sense of the concern about how the queen is in— a sense of the concern about how the queen is. in terms of those who are going _ queen is. in terms of those who are going to _ queen is. in terms of those who are going to balmoral, members of the royal—

going to balmoral, members of the royal family, the duke of cambridge is one _ royal family, the duke of cambridge is one of— royal family, the duke of cambridge is one of them, and he and his family— is one of them, and he and his family recently moved here to windsor, _ family recently moved here to windsor, about a mile or so away from _ windsor, about a mile or so away from windsor castle, and their three children— from windsor castle, and their three children started at a new school in berkshire. — children started at a new school in berkshire, their first throw—mac day today, _ berkshire, their first throw—mac day today, and _ berkshire, their first throw—mac day today, and we saw pictures today of the children arriving at their new school _ the children arriving at their new school -- — the children arriving at their new school —— their first full the today~ _ school —— their first full the today we _ school —— their first full the today. we understand the duchess of cambridge _ today. we understand the duchess of cambridge has not travelled with her husband. _ cambridge has not travelled with her husband, the duke of cambridge, and instead _ husband, the duke of cambridge, and instead she _ husband, the duke of cambridge, and instead she is staying here in windsor, _ instead she is staying here in windsor, not surprising given that their— windsor, not surprising given that their children have started their first full— their children have started their first full day and she will no doubt want _ first full day and she will no doubt want to— first full day and she will no doubt want to he — first full day and she will no doubt want to be with them. but, yes, there _ want to be with them. but, yes, there is— want to be with them. but, yes, there is concern, anxiety, notjust from _ there is concern, anxiety, notjust from tourists but also locals here who very — from tourists but also locals here who very much regard the queen as a resident, _ who very much regard the queen as a resident, is— who very much regard the queen as a resident, is one of their neighbours.— resident, is one of their neighbours. resident, is one of their neiuhbours. ., ., «i , ., , neighbours. helena, thank you very much, neighbours. helena, thank you very much. helena _ neighbours. helena, thank you very much, helena wilkinson _ neighbours. helena, thank you very much, helena wilkinson with - neighbours. helena, thank you very much, helena wilkinson with the i much, helena wilkinson with the latest four us at windsor, just reflecting on the fact there that a few more people are gathering there

at windsor. we mention some of the arrivals at balmoral. take a look at this image. we havejust been sent this image. we havejust been sent this image. we havejust been sent this image of the duke of york, and we think it is the earl of wessex, yes? yes, in the same vehicle, speeding towards balmoral. what do we make of that, nick?— we make of that, nick? gosh, well, that's a question, _ we make of that, nick? gosh, well, that's a question, isn't _ we make of that, nick? gosh, well, that's a question, isn't it? - we make of that, nick? gosh, well, that's a question, isn't it? i'm - we make of that, nick? gosh, well, that's a question, isn't it? i'm not l that's a question, isn't it? i'm not going to respond to that because i think it is impossible to read anything into that photograph. they look sombre, but they would be sombre, given that we know there is serious concern about their mother's health. it would be odd if they looked anything other than serious, but there is nothing much else one could read into that, the duke of like in the front, the earl of wessex, and one must assume the

countess of wessex in the back beside prince edward there. what beside prince edward there. what struck me really _ beside prince edward there. what struck me really in _ beside prince edward there. what struck me really in looking at it and asking the question, nick, it is and asking the question, nick, it is a powerful image. it is an image that conveys solemnity, it conveys i suppose a sense of purpose and determination, to get to balmoral as soon as they can, and it speaks volumes as well about a family and children who are concerned about their mother. ifind children who are concerned about their mother.— their mother. and that is a very, very important — their mother. and that is a very, very important point, _ their mother. and that is a very, very important point, that - their mother. and that is a very, | very important point, that amidst the concern of the nation and of others elsewhere in the world we shouldn't forget that at the heart of this is a family, that the two people we can see in that photograph there are visiting there 96—year—old mother. to them, she is their mother. to them, she is their mother. she is the queen, yes, but this is a moment of concern and possibly of anguish for the family,

for the four children, for the grandchildren and the great children, and the widerfamily, and one must assume that that wider family is rather more appraised of the real situation than we are at the real situation than we are at the moment, but those immediate members of the family, the four children and the duke of cambridge, they are now inside balmoral cap matt cassel and soon they will be talking to the doctors and they will be being brought up—to—date on what is happening —— inside balmoral castle, and cindy will be talking to the doctors. it castle, and cindy will be talking to the doctors— the doctors. it is the duke of sussex who _ the doctors. it is the duke of sussex who we _ the doctors. it is the duke of sussex who we don't - the doctors. it is the duke of sussex who we don't think i the doctors. it is the duke of i sussex who we don't think has arrived yet? sussex who we don't think has arrived vet?— sussex who we don't think has arrived yet? there has certainly been no evidence _ arrived yet? there has certainly been no evidence but _ arrived yet? there has certainly been no evidence but that - arrived yet? there has certainly been no evidence but that begsj arrived yet? there has certainly - been no evidence but that begs the question as to how he is travelling. significant perhaps that he wasn't travelling with the other members of the family on that aircraft with a landing at aberdeen airport. perhaps he was on the scheduled flight, which i think was arriving there not so long ago, or perhaps he has his

own aircraft. who knows? but, again, all those matters really i think i being put to one side at this point because above all he is visiting a beloved grandmother, and there was a good, special relationship between the queen and harry, and in those comments he made some months ago he made much of it and, yes, it reminds us once again that at the heart of this is the family, which is coming to terms with an illness or a change in condition, or whatever. and to terms with an illness or a change in condition, or whatever. and there will be families _ in condition, or whatever. and there will be families and _ in condition, or whatever. and there will be families and individuals - in condition, or whatever. and there will be families and individuals all i will be families and individuals all around the uk and indeed around the commonwealth and the world who will be able to understand perfectly the intensity of anxiety and distress and the worry that comes with this. well, yes, because as we have been saying this afternoon millions of

people will feel a personal sense of concern that, ok, it is not their family, but that's the whole thing about a monarch — they somehow reflect the feelings within the society at the top of which they sit, that they are a reflection of all of our hopes or desires or sadnesses or anxieties, that we do identify with them. not everybody, we know that. but we do identify with them, and in particular with somebody who has as we have been saying been there, in the background to our lives, for most of us, for all of our lives, this person who has always been there, it is reassuring, comforting figure, a source of unity and stability and continuity and all those big thoughts, but also it is this lady who has been there, the sort of matriarchal figure, who has been there, the sort of matriarchalfigure, as who has been there, the sort of matriarchal figure, as she who has been there, the sort of matriarchalfigure, as she has become in recent years, and i think the majority of people of this nation do identify with her, do feel

keenly and sharply for her health, for her well—being, and many millions of people will be greatly concerned at this point. thea;r millions of people will be greatly concerned at this point. they will be looking _ concerned at this point. they will be looking at _ concerned at this point. they will be looking at these _ concerned at this point. they will be looking at these images - concerned at this point. they will be looking at these images of. be looking at these images of entrance to the balmoral estate and lots of british people of course will be familiar with the name balmoral and the fact that it is a great scottish estate, that the queen has been very closely associated with it over the years, but of course be on britain, beyond the commonwealth and indeed around the commonwealth and indeed around the world where these images will be transmitted today, it is worth underlining that the queen has been on the world stage, she has been a prominent figure on the world stage just in terms of statesmanship, and just in terms of statesmanship, and just in terms of statesmanship, and just in terms of her unique position as a constitutional monarch and what she represents, and that is, again, something we could reflect on today which is the fact that there will be

millions and millions of people around the world who have never been to the united kingdom who will be interested and exercised by what is happening to the queen today. that is riaht, happening to the queen today. that is right. she — happening to the queen today. that is right. she is _ happening to the queen today. that is right, she is a _ happening to the queen today. “t"isgt is right, she is a global figure, is is right, she is a globalfigure, is one of our earlier guests said. that expresses itself most particularly through the commonwealth, this coalition of nations, a subject which is very close to her heart, and in which she has exercised a real role, as head of the commonwealth, which gave her a diplomatic platform that, given the political constraints as queen of the united kingdom, she didn't have. the other thing we can consider is what she has stood for, what she has represented. she has stood for decency and tolerance and she has been dutiful and steadfast and all those other things, and so many other heads of state i think have recognised those qualities in her,

and they have admired them, and they have admired the way she has conducted herself over 70 years with putting barely a foot wrong, and i think, you know, at international meetings many of these foreign heads of state, they come, and the first thing they want to do is meet the queen, because she has become such a historicalfigure, a queen, because she has become such a historical figure, a figure, queen, because she has become such a historicalfigure, a figure, you know, who does represent so much thatis know, who does represent so much that is decent and right.— that is decent and right. different perspective _ that is decent and right. different perspective on — that is decent and right. different perspective on the _ that is decent and right. different perspective on the image - that is decent and right. different perspective on the image we - that is decent and right. different perspective on the image we saw| that is decent and right. different - perspective on the image we sawjust a few moments ago, nick, and this is the duke of cambridge actually driving the vehicle, where we saw the duke of york there in the passenger seat and the earl of wessex in the back, but that is william driving then, so itjust gives you another little perspective on the journey from aberdeen to balmoral, and you can imagine that was a fairly intense journey, really.

was a fairly intense 'ourney, reall . was a fairly intense 'ourney, reall. , was a fairly intense 'ourney, reall _ , ., was a fairly intense 'ourney, reall. , ., ., , , ., really. so these are really private family moments, _ really. so these are really private family moments, aren't - really. so these are really private family moments, aren't they? . really. so these are really private | family moments, aren't they? and really. so these are really private - family moments, aren't they? and we can't say for certain about the fourth person in that vehicle, but i should and it is the duke of york we can see closest to us, then the duke of cambridge, and the earl and countess of wessex, so no protection officers, not officials, just the four members of the family, driving together, reflecting, one must imagine, together, on whatever the situation is. imagine, together, on whatever the situation is— situation is. there we see the four of them, a — situation is. there we see the four of them, a clearer _ situation is. there we see the four of them, a clearer picture - situation is. there we see the four of them, a clearer picture there. l of them, a clearer picture there. william and then prince andrew and then prince edward and then it is then prince edward and then it is the countess of wessex there in the other seat in the back, isn“t the countess of wessex there in the other seat in the back, isn't it? underlining this is above all for them family moment and they would have wanted i am sure to have just been alone amongst themselves in the family group, the four of them. my goodness, ok, we are aware of the difficulties that have surrounded the duke of york, and prince william has been quite vociferous in his

views on that and has taken quite a leading part in ensuring that the duke of york has withdrawn from public life, but again i think this is not the moment for those issues. no. well, by now, they will be in balmoral castle, and as you were saying, nick, one imagines they will by now have had their full briefing from the medical team there, that they will be aware of the situation. one imagines they will be possibly at the bedside, where the queen is being treated, and she is in a comfortable state. we were told earlier on. so we are trying to imagine the scene where, you know, the closest members of the family are with her majesty. and they will be there with prince charles, the senior member of the royal family other than the queen, of course. in this situation, with the queen, if we say incapacitated,

she is sufficiently unwell for doctors to be concerned and for her to be, as we keep saying, comfortable at balmoral, that i think this is a situation where the air to the throne will be taking the lead in the family's consultation amongst themselves. there will be a number of things they will need to think about, because if the queen is, to some extent, incapacitated or are less able than she has been to fulfil the role of head of state, that has implications, especially for charles and the members of state, including prince andrew. aside from the family issues, the concern and so one, there are other issues that they and their officials will be considering. irate issues that they and their officials will be considering. we mentioned the fact that _ will be considering. we mentioned the fact that the _ will be considering. we mentioned the fact that the medical _ will be considering. we mentioned the fact that the medical team - will be considering. we mentioned the fact that the medical team will be briefing the royal family members

who have just arrived. be briefing the royal family members who havejust arrived. why be briefing the royal family members who have just arrived. why don't we have a quick word without medical editor, fergus walsh. there will be people watching, some of them will know quite a bit about the medical world, others not. they will be wondering what it means that the queen is being kept comfortable and as comfortable as possible at balmoral. there is no mention of new treatment or further treatment or further types of intervention at aberdeen royal infirmary, the closest hospital. what guidance would you give? it is closest hospital. what guidance would you give?— closest hospital. what guidance would you give? it is worth saying that the queen _ would you give? it is worth saying that the queen has _ would you give? it is worth saying that the queen has own _ would you give? it is worth saying that the queen has own team - would you give? it is worth saying that the queen has own team of l that the queen has own team of medics, the royal household has its own team led by the physician to the queen. that is a role that stretches back at least to henry viii. he is

the head of the medical household, a title created in 1973. that statement that we had, that brief statement, unprecedented, that the queen's doctors were concerned for her majesty's health, but that she was comfortable is all we have had, but unprecedented because it is not the type of statement we have been given before. as you have been saying, we have been used to, all of us, being brought up and living our lives with the queen as head of state. 15 prime ministers have served under her, the first one, winston churchill, was born back in 1874. the winston churchill, was born back in 187a. the last to be appointed this week, liz truss, born 101 years later. it is that continuity, and she has been in such robust good health for most of her life, so it

is that decline that we have seen in the last year, last october, she began using a walking stick in public. she has had these mobility issues. although she looked very engaged in the photos with liz truss earlier this week, she did look frail and, as earlier this week, she did look frailand, as nick earlier this week, she did look frail and, as nick said earlier, did seem to have lost quite a lot of weight. seem to have lost quite a lot of weiuht. , seem to have lost quite a lot of weiuht. i ., , seem to have lost quite a lot of weiuht. i .,, ., i, weight. yes, indeed. there was a lot of focus on — weight. yes, indeed. there was a lot of focus on the _ weight. yes, indeed. there was a lot of focus on the image _ weight. yes, indeed. there was a lot of focus on the image itself. - weight. yes, indeed. there was a lot of focus on the image itself. when . of focus on the image itself. when we talk about the kind of care that the queen is getting, obviously a high standard of care with some of the top experts in the country if not the world, led by sir hugh thomas. there will clearly be a view on whether it is a normal process to allow the queen to stay—at—home, in effect, in balmoral, ratherthan look for more specialist units

elsewhere. our people wrong to read things into that or do you think thatis things into that or do you think that is perfectly understandable? i think it is perfectly understandable. in one sense, it is no different from what you would have with any 96—year—old who has fallen ill and is comfortable at home and able to be kept comfortable. if there was any treatment in a specialist unit that her medical team and herfamily would deem could help the queen, as with any other patient, i“m would deem could help the queen, as with any other patient, i'm sure that that treatment would be given. but it has been decided that she is comfortable, herfamily are but it has been decided that she is comfortable, her family are gathered around her at what is a very difficult time, and we obviously await updates. we know no more officially or unofficially that we have been told in that statement. fergus, many thanks again for helping us with that and some of the

questions about the kind of care that the queen is getting. buckingham palace therefore you, in all of its splendour, with the internal quadrangle and forecourt, and then the gardens to the site and the back. a very familiar site. the crowds gathering, despite some of the weather problems. they are facing the balcony, right in the centre of the facade, where the queen has appeared on so many occasions since she first appeared as a girl with her parents back in the 1930s and early 1940s was the famous images of the royal family on that balcony at the end of the second world war, with her father, the king, king george vi, hugely popular monica by that point, having really given leadership. —— a hugely

popular monica by that point. there a lot of memories there, notwithstanding the fact that she has been on the balcony as queen for the last 70 years or so. those great occasions for the golden jubilee the last 70 years or so. those great occasions for the goldenjubilee and the platinumjubilee, back occasions for the goldenjubilee and the platinum jubilee, back to 1977, the platinum jubilee, back to 1977, the diamond jubilee, where we have seen people crowding into this space around the memorial to greet member is of the royal family. so it is very much the symbol of royalty in london. there are lots of symbols of royalty in london, but buckingham palace with its balcony and famous facade, and often with the sovereign standard flying when the queen is in residence. it is the place that tourists come to get her taste of the royal presence in the united kingdom. today, the queen is not in residence here, she is in residence

in balmoral, her scottish estate in aberdeenshire. she has been there sincejune, it is a place she loves very much. sadly, today, we are reporting on the fact that her health is causing significant concerns for the medical team. that is the reason that we have seen very close members of the royal family, including the queen's children, charles and anne, andrew and edward making their way there. they are probably being briefed, or maybe have been briefed by now by the medical team on the queen's condition, which suddenly overnight and into the morning started to cause far more concerns. we remember of course that a couple of days ago, liz truss, the prime minister was driven through these gates and met the queen and was granted an audience, where she was invited to

form a government. the queen at that point, although looking frail, was smiling and clearly very engaged in the process. then yesterday, as part of the process of a new government, there was meant to be a meeting of there was meant to be a meeting of the privy council, the senior politicians who advise the queen in certain capacities, and the queen was meant to hold that meeting virtually, if you like, in terms of video messaging. that was felt to be unwise. the doctors advised the queen not to engage in that online privy council meeting. she was advised to rest. most people who have been following royal events, and certainly my colleague, nicholas hit, here and others. that was a significant change of plan not to have that privy council meeting, albeit online. by this morning, the very worrying news that doctors were

concerned about the queen's health. that treatment going on at balmoral. a very different place to the one on the right—hand of the screen now, where we see the queen leading the celebrations from that famous balcony at buckingham palace, at the jubilee, with millions of people crowded into this part of central london, all the way down from admiralty arch, through the parks to buckingham palace itself. a very happy day, and of course with the royal marines and all the other wonderful military musicians in attendance. the bounce of the household division as well, who have been entertaining the royal family and the crowds for many years, with their stunning and sparkling military drill and their exceptional musicianship. the queen has been a great supporter and ally of the armed forces over many years, and she is deeply respected and very,

very well—regarded and loved by them, by all branches of the armed forces, as she is by millions of people around the country. so it is a nice image for us to enjoy on the right—hand side, just happier times, if you like, than on the left—hand side, that rather... a bit of a grey, depressing sight, a wet, low—key site, if you like. a depressing site at balmoral, the road leading into the estate itself. we know what lies beyond the road, at the end of that path, it is the castle, and it is the queen being kept comfortable, being monitored 24-7 kept comfortable, being monitored 24—7 by an expert medical team. and we can only wish the queen well. we do that automatically and sincerely,

but we are waiting to come i“m do that automatically and sincerely, but we are waiting to come i'm 30 say, —— we are waiting, it“s but we are waiting to come i'm 30 say, —— we are waiting, it's fair to say, —— we are waiting, it's fair to say, for news from the medical team. nicholas witchell has been talking to us about the events of this day. lots of people will be may be returning from work, they will be joining us and will be aware of the reports, but they won't have seen lots of it. i think that we are in the position where we are waiting, without any rush and without any haste at all, for the next update, if you like, now we know that the royal family has gathered. yes. if you like, now we know that the royal family has gathered. yes, and buckingham — royal family has gathered. yes, and buckingham palace _ royal family has gathered. yes, and buckingham palace has— royal family has gathered. yes, and buckingham palace has not - royal family has gathered. yes, and buckingham palace has not been - royal family has gathered. yes, and buckingham palace has not been in i buckingham palace has not been in the habit of giving updates. on this occasion, there will have to be something, given the level of concern there is here and around the world. we have seen the other members of the royal family arriving

at balmoral. that is an indication of how serious the situation is. the mood, i think, of how serious the situation is. the mood, ithink, is of how serious the situation is. the mood, i think, is described as sombre. the concern is considerable. certainly politicians have talked about profound concern, you must imagine that the prime minister and others are aware and being appraised on privy council terms with whatever is the absolute situation. we await any further news from buckingham palace, though there is no indication that there is any further statement to be made. you made much of the images of the queen on the balcony during thejubilee balcony during the jubilee celebrations. balcony during thejubilee celebrations. remarkable, really, just three months ago. when she appeared in that bright green coat, that was on the final day of the jubilee celebrations on the sunday. it had been thought that you perhaps wouldn't make the journey from windsor. i think the prince of wales encouraged her to do so, and she

did. the crowds were absolutely delighted to see her. i think she was terribly touched when they sang the national anthem. yes, there was a sense, i think, that something is drawing gradually to a close here. i think that everybody was very touched on that occasion. that balcony that actually she first appeared on in 1927, when she was one—year—old. she was brought and shown to the crowd by her proud parents, the duke of york as he was then, herfatherand parents, the duke of york as he was then, herfather and mother. then, her father and mother. remarkable then, herfather and mother. remarkable really, and that is what monarchy is about, the span of years, the continuity. everything changes but nothing changes. that is why it is this sort of reassurance which so many people, so many millions of people, find comforting. we must continue to hope for the best that there are some encouraging

news. but, given the circumstances, we have to accept... we have to wait and see. we do indeed. let's go from balmoral to downing street. letsjoin chris mason, our political editor, who joins us from there. do you have any update on what downing street's understanding of offences? what i can tell you —— understanding of events is? there are no plans for the prime and to return to balmoral. she was there just a couple of days ago to become prime minister in that last public moment where we saw the queen as borisjohnson resigned, shortly followed by liz truss. we did hearfrom the prime minister at lunchtime, shortly after the statement from buckingham palace in which liz truss said the whole

country will be concerned by the news from buckingham palace, and adding my thoughts and those from across the united, kingdom. i apologise, hate interrupting you, but i'm afraid we have a dreadful problem on the microphone. i suppose it is the elements interfering. the rain getting into cables. if we clear that up, i will be back with you as soon i can. chris mason, our political editor. the us president, joe biden, has told liz truss that he and his wife are thinking of the queen amid deep concerns over her health. the white house national security spokesman, john kirby, said this. his thoughts

are solidly and squarely with the queen today, and with herfamily. the president has been briefed this morning and will be updated throughout the day concerning news out of the united kingdom. that is president biden. i suppose you would have expect an accession of sincere concern. and how many state visits from presidents she hosted in downing street over the years. that is one expression of concern that you would expect straight away. yes. you would expect straight away. yes, and once again _ you would expect straight away. yes, and once again it _ you would expect straight away. yes, and once again it is _ you would expect straight away. isis and once again it is quite normal for us presidents to be very keen to meet the queen. they met in the g7 summit in cornwall however many

months ago. the queen has met every us president by one. she never met lyndonjohnson, but i thinkjoe biden is the 14th us president, the 15th prime minister and 14 us presidents. it gives you a flavour of this remarkable life that she has led, meeting so many significant figures in world history. beginning just after the war as a young princess, when herfather was ailing and she was having to step in and a counsellor of state. so she has met just about anybody who is anybody. yet she has never shared to the world any of her thoughts or appraisals of any of them. she has kept it all within either herself or herfamily. she has understood kept it all within either herself or her family. she has understood the fundamentals of the position that she has occupied for these 70 years,

that she must be an uncontroversial figure. she must have understood the principles of a constitutional monarch, learning them from her father, and she has continued in the manner and style of her father, rather understated. it was for that reason that she found the duke of edinburgh such a useful ally, because there was a difference in personality and approach. i think she owed so much to him, as we sensed in some of the things she has said about him since his death. it is interesting, owing to philip, but one senses as well that, because of the application in 36 and then the course of her life changing. —— the abdication in 36 was not her father took on a roll of a diligent tutor.

in many ways, you have to look at the reign over queen of the second, it is a continuation of the reign of george vi. yes, she loved and revered her father deeply. she understood the struggle for him to be the monarchy during the difficult times of the second world war. he was helped through it by queen elizabeth, the queen mother. he was also helped by his daughters, and they were a close unit. the queen must have also learned a great deal from her father. rather in the same way that she has attempted to pass what she has learned not perhaps so much to prince charles, but to prince william. i think the queen has taken a great deal of time to come as it

were, tutor and pass on her wisdom and approach and her principles to monarchy to prince william. i interviewed him some years ago and asked him, whose template do you tend to follow? the one of your father or your grandmother? rather to my surprise, he answered and said, well, ithink to my surprise, he answered and said, well, i think my grandmother's. in many ways, prince william once said about being monarch, it is about setting an example, doing one“s duty. those are the principles that an cap the approach that queen has brought to the british monarchy. we will just the british monarchy. we willjust bring in a guest, the royal biographer, ingrid. good to

have you with us and we are grateful for your expert perspective on this today. as we follow the reports and clearly we are reflecting on the deep concern that people have at this point, at the family have gathered there in balmoral. what are your reflections at this stage? i think i feel very much what everybody is feeling. obviously, this is a very poignant moment, and none of us quite know what will happen but because the entire family are gathered at balmoral, and the fact that the queen hasn't been sent to hospital, speaks volumes. they obviouslyjust to hospital, speaks volumes. they obviously just want to keep to hospital, speaks volumes. they obviouslyjust want to keep her comfortable, have herfamily around her, and wejust comfortable, have herfamily around her, and we just have to literally wait for news, whether it be good or bad. there is nothing bobby can do.

that is the situation. —— there is nothing more we can do. as we have said many times this afternoon, as we saw the queen with liz truss only 48—hour was ago, on tuesday, and she looked so happy and in good spirits. she looked frail, but if you have mobility problems, you will have muscle loss, so she will look frail. but it was really wonderful to see her and it gave us hope that she will be carrying on. but whatever has happened between then and now, we don't know. all beacon do is hope very much for the best.— very much for the best. indeed. i know that _ very much for the best. indeed. i know that everyone _ very much for the best. indeed. i know that everyone will - very much for the best. indeed. i know that everyone will be - very much for the best. indeed. i. know that everyone will be sharing that, certainly. it has been a remarkable year, hasn't it, because we have reported several times on theissues we have reported several times on the issues that have surrounded the queen's health committee has not been able to undertake some

occasions, but when it came to the jubilee, we had two balcony appearances, we had a sense of fun and celebration around the parade to open events. the year has been one of extremes, hasn't it? it is a matter of 48—hour since the queen was eager to fulfil her constitutional duty and invite liz truss to form a government. it speaks volumes about her commitment to thejob. it speaks volumes about her commitment to the “oh. i ii , speaks volumes about her commitment to the “oh. i i, , i, , i, to the 'ob. it certainly does, and she to the job. it certainly does, and she hates _ to the job. it certainly does, and she hates letting _ to the job. it certainly does, and she hates letting people - to the job. it certainly does, and she hates letting people down. | to the job. it certainly does, and i she hates letting people down. she has always wanted to get on with the job. i think she has probably had a mentally hard time. this all started in october 2021, when she was supposed to be going to ireland and suddenly the journalists and everyone were waiting for her, and she had to cancel. that was the

beginning of her mobility problems. i think it must have been difficult for her to have to say, you know, take doctor's orders and i cannot do this. it has been a recurring theme of her life since then. wonderful though she is, and cheerful though she is, i think it must be difficult for her, and very frustrating to feel that she is unable to carry out the duties which she has carried out all of her life. which is another reason why buckingham palace have delayed it until the 99th hour to let us know whether or not the queen is able to do certain things. i think it is because she is so determined to try to do them but in the end couldn't. it has been a difficult time for her. we would like to think — difficult time for her. we would like to think we _ difficult time for her. we would like to think we get _ difficult time for her. we would like to think we get a _ difficult time for her. we would like to think we get a good - difficult time for her. we would - like to think we get a good progress report, ingrid, but we must wait and see. thank you forjoining us. thank see. thank you for 'oining us. thank

ou. if see. thank you for 'oining us. thank you. i you _ see. thank you for 'oining us. thank you. rfyou — see. thank you for 'oining us. thank you. if you are just— see. thank you forjoining us. thank you. if you are just joining _ see. thank you forjoining us. thank you. if you are just joining us - see. thank you forjoining us. thank you. if you are just joining us on - you. if you are 'ust 'oining us on bbc you. if you are 'ust 'oining us on sac news, _ you. if you are just 'oining us on bbc news, this — you. if you are just 'oining us on bbc news, this is _ you. if you are just joining us on bbc news, this is our— you. if you are just joining us on bbc news, this is our extended | bbc news, this is our extended coverage today wallowing that bulletin from the queen's medical team at lunchtime that her doctors are now very concerned about the state of her health. she is at balmoral, her estate in aberdeenshire, where she is being cared for. she is said to be in a comfortable condition. doctors are there with her, she is having full 24-7 there with her, she is having full 24—7 medical supervision. in the last couple of hours, the family has been gathering and we have seen the children turning up, the rest of them, because prince charles was there already, and princess anne, there already, and princess anne, the princess royal. now they have been joined the princess royal. now they have beenjoined by the princess royal. now they have been joined by the the princess royal. now they have beenjoined by the duke of the princess royal. now they have been joined by the duke of york and the earl of wessex. and indeed by the earl of wessex. and indeed by the duke of cambridge, her grandson, who has also arrived in the last hour or so. they landed at aberdeen

airport a while ago. they are all there. the queen has been engaged in duties in recent months and has been showing great spirit and strength and determination to fulfil all of those items in the diary. today, we had the news that she is not able to do that now. she is in a position where her health is causing a lot more concern. she has been made to feel comfortable, we are told. there is no mention of any hospital treatment or any other intervention elsewhere. all of the care is being done at balmoral. following that statement, which was at 12:30pm today, overfive hours ago, there has been no word. all we have seen is the gathering of close family members at balmoral castle itself. we are waiting to see if there will be another statement. we don't know. there may be a statement, which is why we are staying on—air as we

approach 6pm. my colleague, nicholas witchell, our royal correspondent, is keeping a very close eye on these events, as you would imagine. i have just summarised where we are right now, but there will be lots of people watching, wondering if it is realistic to expect some kind of statement now that the children have gathered, at maybe they have had some kind of briefing from the doctors. that is not an unreasonable thing to ask. i doctors. that is not an unreasonable thing to ask-— thing to ask. i would have thought that that is _ thing to ask. i would have thought that that is what _ thing to ask. i would have thought that that is what will _ thing to ask. i would have thought that that is what will need - thing to ask. i would have thought that that is what will need to - that that is what will need to happen. i think buckingham palace will have to say something, because there is such widespread and deep concern now. the family has arrived at balmoral, added be logicalfor them to issue something, whether it is just a bulletin them to issue something, whether it isjust a bulletin in them to issue something, whether it is just a bulletin in terms of briefing us as to the state of her health, whether there has been an improvement or whatever is the

situation, because i think that as we approach the early evening now, it will be necessary for buckingham palace to say something. but i stress that i have not seen any indication that that is the case, thatis indication that that is the case, that is just as thinking that it would be logical and sensible and necessary. would be logical and sensible and necessa . i , ii, i, necessary. necessary because, of course, necessary. necessary because, of course. there _ necessary. necessary because, of course. there is— necessary. necessary because, of course, there is no _ necessary. necessary because, of course, there is no way _ necessary. necessary because, of course, there is no way to - necessary. necessary because, of course, there is no way to kind i necessary. necessary because, of course, there is no way to kind of| course, there is no way to kind of overstate this, the affection for the queen, the respect for the queen, people's sense of loyalty to the queen is such that it will be exercising people's mines. yes. the queen is such that it will be exercising people's mines. yes, in all of our minds _ exercising people's mines. yes, in all of our minds is _ exercising people's mines. yes, in all of our minds is the _ all of our minds is the unimaginable, almost. when that moment comes and we have no reason to suppose that it is imminent, but people will find it an almost seismic moment, a seismic shock when that moment comes. i am not

suggesting that it is about to come, but we are, let's be candid about it, we have seen the facts as they have emerged today, we have seen the family gathering, they haven't rushed to balmoral without good reason. one must suppose that, whatever it is that they have been briefed about, buckingham palace will feel the need to share that with the rest of the nation and, indeed, the commonwealth at some point this evening. fine indeed, the commonwealth at some point this evening.— point this evening. one imagines because, point this evening. one imagines because. as _ point this evening. one imagines because. as you _ point this evening. one imagines because, as you said _ point this evening. one imagines because, as you said earlier, i point this evening. one imagines because, as you said earlier, it i point this evening. one imagines j because, as you said earlier, it is the royal family and we are dealing with her majesty the queen, but it is family. it is a mother and a grandmother, and a great—grandmother. whose health we are talking about. i imagine that they have gathered with her to offer comfort.