The Queen is to miss the state opening of parliament for only the third time in her reign.
The elderly monarch had been due to address the Commons and the Lords tomorrow, but Buckingham Palace said Prince Charles would now read out the speech on her behalf.
In a statement, the palace said the 96-year-old Queen continues to "experience episodic mobility problems, and in consultation with her doctors has reluctantly decided that she will not attend the State Opening of Parliament tomorrow."
They added: “At Her Majesty’s request, and with the agreement of the relevant authorities, The Prince of Wales will read The Queen’s Speech on Her Majesty’s behalf, with The Duke of Cambridge also in attendance.”
The Queen has attended every state opening since her accession in 1952, except in 1959 when she was pregnant with Prince Andrew and in 1963 when pregnant with Prince Edward.
Last week, the palace said the Queen - who is celebrating her platinum jubilee - would miss this summer’s garden parties in Buckingham Palace and at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The Queen tested positive for Covid in February, an experience she said had left her "very tired and exhausted".
Buckingham Palace said the Queen had "a call with Australia undertaken on Monday" and there is a "planned virtual Privy Council and phone audience with the Prime Minister on Wednesday."
She is also expected to "undertake some private engagements" later in the week.
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