The Queen will not attend Friday's thanksgiving service at St Paul's Cathedral, it has been announced.

In a statement, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: "The Queen greatly enjoyed today's Birthday Parade and Flypast but did experience some discomfort.

"Taking into account the journey and activity required to participate in tomorrow's National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral, Her Majesty with great reluctance has concluded that she will not attend.

"The Queen is looking forward to participating in tonight's But it's not the first time in recent weeks that the Queen, who is 96, has had to miss engagements because of health problems.

The 96-year-old has had to miss other engagements because of health issues this year.

Prince Charles had to deputise for the State Opening of Parliament in May because the Queen was suffering "episodic mobility problems"

After catching Covid in February, she said she was left feeling "very tired and exhausted".

It is not clear how the current "discomfort" will impact the rest of the Jubilee celebrations this bank holiday weekend.