Queen Elizabeth, 95, used a walking cane at Westminster today ‘for comfort’

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Sixteen days ago, I significantly strained my glute and lower back. I still don’t know exactly what I did and how, all I know is that two weekends ago, I started having real issues with bending, kneeling and leaning. It’s been a literal pain in the ass and you guys would laugh if you saw the makeshift ways I’ve been trying to function in daily life or the myriad curses I’ve come up with when I’m trying to stand from a seated position. Thankfully, I’ve been getting better.

I’m nowhere near the Queen’s age. QEII is pretty resilient and her body has held up surprisingly well considering her advanced age of 95. She’s had surgeries for her knees and eyes and the last time she was significantly ill, it was merely a heavy cold. Still, that heavy cold was enough for people to review Operation London Bridge, the Queen’s death and funeral plans. I can only imagine we’re about to get the same thing this week. The Queen used a walking cane as she entered Westminster Abbey this morning. I feel her. No judgment. I probably should have used a walking cane too this month, and I truly thought about investing in one.

This is apparently the first time QEII has used a cane since 2003, when she had an operation on her knee. Becky English at the Daily Mail says that the Queen is apparently using a cane today for “comfort” as opposed to a specific injury. She’s 95 and she has bad knees and possibly a twinge in her back. Why don’t they let this elderly woman stay in bed with a heating pad, for the love of God.

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60 Responses to “Queen Elizabeth, 95, used a walking cane at Westminster today ‘for comfort’”

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  1. Eurydice says:

    It might also be for balance. If she’s feeling just a bit shaky, a cane can add a sense of security.

    Sorry about your back – it’s so hard to get comfortable when that happens.

    • ShazBot says:

      Yeah, my grandmother is 93 and uses a cane for balance now. She’s still mobile and mentally aware of everything, her balance is just not great now and it’s a falls prevention thing.

    • terra says:

      I’m 34 and I use a cane for balance sometimes, due to chronic bouts of vertigo. It’s either that or cling to the walls.

      I can get away with that in my tiny apartment, but queens don’t have that option, I’d think. The photos would be terrible, after all.

  2. Becks1 says:

    So I sprained my ankle pretty badly over a week ago, and it still hurts to walk – and I swear I should have taken a video of myself on crutches and posted it on twitter, bc my kids and husband couldn’t stop laughing. My youngest kept yelling “DONT LOSE MOMENTUM!” as I walked anywhere lol.

    So basically I’m saying you gotta do what you gotta do and if the Queen needs a cane, then glad to see she’s not worried about appearances if she uses one.

    That brooch she is wearing is gorgeous.

    • LightPurple says:

      That brooch is everything.

    • Lorelei says:

      @Becks lmao at “don’t lose momentum!”

      • SarahCS says:

        There are times when I need to yell this at myself, mostly for work more than physical stuff but this may be a keeper. Sorry to hear about the ankle @Becks1 but thank you for this!

    • NotSoSocialButterfly says:

      Holy man, my first thoughts were about that brooch, too. Who cares about a cane???

      • BothSidesNow says:

        Yes, @ NotSoSocialButterfly!! Mine as well!! Give me the brooch!! I love brooches!! We were looking at them the other day as I love them!! I have some wild ones and somber ones, but nothing like this one!!! Those stones are enormous!!! I do admire her jewelry, though I frown upon how they acquired it though.

      • NotSoSocialButterfly says:

        I’d like to roll around in the royal jewels collection. Just once.

    • C-Shell says:

      QEII has THE most incredible brooches, and this one is one I don’t remember but would covet. I wish I didn’t question their provenance every time.

      • BothSidesNow says:

        @ C-Shell, I am sorry, I didn’t see your comment. But yes, I immediately feel depressed after drooling over her brooches!! This one is magnificent!

    • Agreatreckoning says:

      I hope you all recover from your recent injuries. The brooch is lovely. Now that it’s been mentioned as something to covet and if any of the Middletons/Midd associates read this site..CarolE is telling Kate to claim first dibs on it because it would go with Big Blue.

  3. Finny says:

    I feel you all. 6 weeks ago my cats were trying to kill me. I slipped on one of their toys and hit the top of a scratch cradle full force with my ribs. Got a hairline fracture on one and a muscle tear and I overstretched a tendon in my foot that slipped. My husband had to take couple days off and help because I couldn’t get around. I still get inflammation, can’t walk without a ankle support and can’t be on my feet for a long period. I don’t complain about the forced breaks I have to take but it really sucks when you can’t walk right. We don’t normally think about feet, walking and getting around until you injure yourself.

    • Roo says:

      Yikes, Finny! I’m so sorry! That sounds very painful and I hope you get back to full health soon!

  4. LightPurple says:

    Sorry about your injury, Kaiser, Sending healing wishes. I broke my ankle back in March and it’s still not healed so I’m quite familiar with makeshift maneuvers to get about.

    As for the 95 year old, it is amazing that she has been so sturdy for so long.

    But, can we talk about that brooch? I NEED that brooch in my life. It’s gorgeous!

    • NotSoSocialButterfly says:

      Oh, goodness, I know about that malunion junk. Broke 3 metatarsals July 2020. Healed with malalignment and had it surgically corrected with titanium March 20021. Too much of almost a year with crutches +/- a boot. Hope yours is resolved soon- here’s to the end of hobbling!

      I wonder why so many of us are gaga over that particular brooch?

  5. mimi says:

    It does make me a little uncomfortable to see the Queen still being out and about. I understand that she’s the monarch and the most popular member of the family at that but she’s also nearly 100 – it doesn’t seem right for a person this old to still be “working” per say. The palace should’ve already had a set plan on passing the bulk of her duties to the heirs and their wives by her 90th birthday. Instead the institution is still entirely dependent on her presence.

    • AmelieOriginal says:

      It’s her own stubbornness that she’s out and about. Parliament isn’t forcing her to show up, Prince Charles and her own family isn’t forcing her. For better or for worse, she made a promise long ago when she became Queen that she would serve her country until the bitter end. She refuses to abdicate like other European monarchs who reach a certain age and then pass on the torch to their heir. She’s kind of like the pope in a way, he keeps showing up until he dies (unless you’re Benedict XVI and you decide to retire early which was unheard of when he did it, it shocked the Catholic world). I bet you Prince Charles will be the same, he’s waited so long to become king.

      • MissMarirose says:

        Yeah, I agree. Some elderly folks are just stubborn. They’re going to do what they want to do. I suspect that is what is happening here. The Firm probably would be ok with her sitting most things out and/or letting Charles handle it. But she won’t hear of it.

      • harperc says:

        And since she keeps going, that helps her keep going.

        For geriatrics, use it or lose it is real. Just sitting around doing nothing is not good physically or mentally.

        The older people I know who are still sharp are all really active in their community: doing charity work, fostering a dog with a rescue, being involved in church, etc. It’s just that QE2’s hobby is being queen.

  6. Amy Bee says:

    I don’t know why the Palace can’t be honest and just say that the Queen is using a cane to help her keep her balance. She looked unsteady when she went to the opening of the Scottish Parliament a few weeks ago. She probably has been using a walking stick in private for awhile now.

    • SarahCS says:

      My grandmother had various foldable canes for most of her 80’s, they just made her life easier.

    • February-Pisces says:

      It’s sad to think that she has probably needed to use one for a long time now, but has gone without when in public for the sake of appearances.

  7. Noki says:

    I think she is such a stickler for her duty and service. I am sure close family and aides have told her that no one would think any less of her if she never did anything again for the rest of her life. She takes this very serious.

    • SarahCS says:

      She also thinks they need ‘to be seen to be believed’ so she’s not staying at home anytime soon.

  8. Lizzie says:

    I bought a cane for my husband for balance (old knee injury) and he doesn’t use it. However it is handy to dislodge the dog toys under the sofa.

  9. Athena says:

    You know what’s sad, this royal family is so performative that my first thought was that she was leaning into being old and feeble after the stories about her paying for Andrew’s legal bill. I’m ready to retire now, can’t imagine having to still work at 95, if I live that long. If she’s a bit shaky on her feet, the cane is helpful since no one can touch her to assist her. As you can I’m torn between feeling bad for her if she’s hurting and believing there something wrong.

    • JT says:

      That was my first thought as well. The queen is taking a bit of a beating for paying Andrew’s legal bills and the palace wants some sympathy, so they send out Betty with a cane. It seems to be working going by the comments on here. If she really is really unsteady and needs a cane that’s fine, but everything these people do is for show, so I wouldn’t be surprised is these was just a strategic ploy.

    • Lorelei says:

      @Athena and @JT, I did *not* think of that immediately, and I’m surprised that I didn’t because I’m usually quite cynical! Especially a when it comes to this family and their motives. But you’re absolutely right about the timing…they thought they’d try the “But I’m so feeble!” act, like Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein did on their way to court. And the Golden State Killer, for that matter.

      It never works, and I don’t think it will work with her as long as we continue to see photos of her horseback riding fairly frequently.

  10. Chill says:

    I want to know if she is using one of her Grandmother, Queen Mary’s, canes? Her handles were Cartier.

  11. Izzy says:

    I wrenched my lower back Sunday morning. I actually iced it to the point of numbness that night and it’s somewhat better, but if I move the wrong way I whimper. God, aging sucks.

    • C-No says:

      I did the same thing. My pregnant neighbor just gave me all her CBD stuff — the “select” CBD muscle rub is EFFING AMAZING. It’s like a better version of Icy Hot. Don’t know where she got it, but it comes in a teal tube.

  12. Merricat says:

    She will never willingly stop working. I do think she has a sense that it’s all falling apart, and once she goes, the snowball will start down the hill, so she’s trying to stave that off as long as possible.

    • BothSidesNow says:

      God, I would love to know where she gets it’s!! I would love to find a great CBD cream, but just finding great gummy’s is hard! They are expensive as hell too!!

  13. Jais says:

    Well “for comfort” kinda works. It’s definitely more comfortable to walk rather than lose your balance and fall.

  14. Louise177 says:

    A 95 year old uses a cane. Shocking.

  15. MerryGirl says:

    A couple weeks ago at the Scottish opening of Parliament, she stumbled across the book signing desk (see the Sky video Rhiannon Mills did). Her whole frail, shaky display showed me that’s it’s the beginning of the end for her. Why the RF still think they need to send her out to lead the charge is beyond me.

    • Minnieder says:

      I haven’t seen that. Do you have a link?

    • Sid says:

      QEII likely insists on it, and on top of that she is a convenient shield for all of them. Anytime anyone tries to call out the f*ckery of the BRF, you get a chorus replying “but THE QUEEN.” It is to their benefit to have her as the face of the family because people are reluctant to criticize her. She is finally getting more criticism due to her blatant support of her sex offender son, but you still have people saying “but THE QUEEN.” Charles and Willileaks aren’t going to get that sort of support. So it’s probably a balancing act for all of them between “convincing her to let us take over more of these engagements” and “keeping her in the public enough so that we can hide behind her skirts when needed.”

    • NotSoSocialButterfly says:

      It looks like she just fumbled the pen.

    • diana says:

      Yeah not to sound Morbid or anything. But she is looking a little frail these days. Which is to be expected.

  16. ncboudicca says:

    C’mon y’all – whether or not I agree that she should’ve passed off the crown to Charles at this point (I do), I don’t see why she needs to stay in bed and not work! A sense of purpose keeps people going and keeps their body and mind sharper at all stages of life.

    • Zapp Brannigan says:

      Retirement doesn’t mean she would never get to work again. She could get herself a bucket and mop, with a diamond encrusted handle, and help clean up Andrew’s mess. Plenty to keep her busy there.

      • ncboudicca says:

        @ZappB: if she cleans up the mess by taking that broom and beating Andrew with it, then I’m in favor!

  17. MarJo says:

    Nice blue colour, jaunty hat, beautiful brooch and she looks rested (she does not look a day over 85…)

  18. Barbie1 says:

    A smart move. No falls allowed. Its good she’s out and about. Looking to be in good spirits bespite the stress and embarrassment Andrew is providing on a daily basis.

  19. dawnchild says:

    We actually have a couple of adjustable hiking poles that we keep in the trunk of the car. Great for hiking stability on rough trails and a joint saver. Recommend for general purposes too …in case of injury etc.

    And re TQ, I hope they use the lightest fabrics for those coats…wouldn’t want to weigh her down with heavy fabrics. Polarfleece the way to go lol

  20. Babz says:

    To be honest, I’m pretty impressed that the Queen hasn’t been using one before now, given her age. I’m 68, and recovering from knee replacement surgery last month. Having used a cane for nearly four years, I’m realizing just how much I have come to depend on it for stability. My right knee still has to be replaced, so I’m not completely rid of the cane, but I’m really glad I have it. I just adopt a Dowager Countess of Grantham sensibility and get on with it! 😂 I hope you recover soon, Kaiser, and there’s no shame in using a cane if it helps you feel steadier.

  21. Jay says:

    We can admire her dedication to her role, certainly, but at what point does it signal an unwillingness to retire because she knows the next generation ain’t it? Like Kaiser said, many other monarchs have stepped back and smoothed the way for their successor(s).

    If this really were a firm, I’d wonder why the CEO feels they need to be around all the time, and obviously doesn’t trust those under them to carry on the work.

  22. Fanciful says:

    I use a cane and I’m 35 years younger than her! She has lost a lot of weight and that might affect her strength as well.

  23. Cherriepie84 says:

    The lady is a narc…she lives for the attention and adoration. I think she would rather to keep over in public than to even entertain the thought of staying home with her corgis.

  24. Theothermia says:

    Aww feel better, Kaiser! Pulling muscles sucks, take it easy if you can 💚

  25. Lala44 says:

    I don’t understand why at age 95, with declining health, the royal courtiers have not begun to limit the number of major public events for the queen. It has to be highly stressful, dealing with her idiot son Andrew, using her as an ATM and human shield. Are we even sure the queen is still mentally competent enough to even be making sound decisions?
    It’s long past time; she was retired and resting at Balmoral. She has two healthy heirs that should be stepping up and taking on more of her royal duties.

  26. JustBitchy says:

    Brooch info. I think this is from the amazing Magpie at Order of Splendor

    http://queensjewelvault.blogspot.com/2012/06/queen-marys-russian-brooch.html?m=1

  27. Isa says:

    I work in geriatrics and it’s incredible that a 95 year old hasn’t been using an assistive device before now. Mortality goes up after a broken hip and here the queen is walking around in low pumps.

  28. Bibi says:

    There are times I look at the Queen and my empath heart just wants to hug her and wrap her with a blankie and heating bottle. Whether you love or hate her, no 95 yo should be trotted out just bcos the heirs are incompetent. But she made her bed.