Nation ‘deeply concerned’ about Queen’s health, says Liz Truss

Liz Truss said the nation will be “deeply concerned” by the news from Buckingham Palace that Queen Elizabeth II is under close medical supervision.

The new Conservative prime minister said her thoughts “and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom” were with the 96-year-old monarch and the royal family.

Labour leader Keir Starmer also said he was “deeply worried” by the news, adding that he was “hoping for her recovery” along with the rest of the country.

Prince Charles, heir to the throne, is now with the Queen at Balmoral after she was placed under medical supervision. Her doctors “are concerned for Her Majesty’s health”, a spokesperson for the palace said.

Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle interrupted a debate on the government’s energy bill crisis plan in the Commons on Thursday to give MPs the news of the Queen’s condition.

“I know I speak on behalf of the entire House when I say that we send our best wishes to Her Majesty the Queen, and that she and the Royal Family are in our thoughts and prayers at this moment,” said the Speaker.

Cabinet Office minister Nadhim Zahawi was seen entering the Commons in somber mood, asking to speak to Ms Truss and Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner to brief them on news of the Queen’s ill-health.

Labour’s Chris Byrant said the Commons “feels chilly and somber, as if the blood has been drained from its cheeks” after the shock announcement, adding: “We wish Her Majesty and her family well.”

SNP Ian Blackford – speaking on Ms Truss’s plan to cap annual energy bills at £2,500 as the news came through – said: “The thoughts and prayers of all of us will be with our Majesty”.

Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon said “all of us are feeling profoundly concerned at reports of Her Majesty’s health”, adding: “My thoughts and wishes are with the Queen and all of the royal family at this time.’”

Wales’ first minister Mark Drakeford said in a tweet: “Concerned to hear the news from Buckingham Palace. I send my best wishes to Her Majesty and her family on behalf of the people of Wales.”

Former Tory prime minister David Cameron said he was “deeply concerned” by the news about the Queen’s health. “I send my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family at this worrying time.”

The Queen’s health has been scrutinised over the past year after she withdrew from key events due to ongoing mobility issues in recent months.

The monarch pulled out of a virtual Privy Council on Wednesday, a day after appointing Ms Truss as PM at her home in the Scottish Highlands.