In a speech by Earl of Wessex, after monarch Elizabeth failed to address Church of England’s national assembly in the first of her 69-year reigns, The Queen warns that no one can slow down time.
The Queen missed the Remembrance Sunday service on Saturday, and was scheduled to attend Church House, Westminster Headquarters of the Synod. However, her attendance was canceled last Thursday due to health concerns.
The 95-year-old was first advised to rest by medical experts almost a month ago after spending a night at the King Edward VII hospital in Marylebone, London on October 20 as she underwent preliminary tests.
This is the first occasion that the Supreme Governor of the Church, the monarch, has skipped her five-yearly Synod visit in 51 years.
Edward, the youngest of her children, was the one to read the 95-year old speech by the head state to the clergy. Edward praised the institution as offering hope during the pandemic.
On behalf of his mother, he said: “It’s hard to believe it’s been over 50 years since Prince Philip attended the first General Synod meeting.
‘None can slow time. And while we focus often on what has changed over the years, many things remain unchanged. This includes the Gospel and Christ’s teachings.
Following her absence from the Remembrance Day service on Sunday, Queen 95 was supposed to be present in person at Church House. This is the Westminster headquarters for the Synod. But, due to medical concerns, she was forced to cancel her attendance last Thursday.
Prince Edward delivered the Queen’s speech at the General Synod Tuesday in her place. This is the first time that the monarch, 95 years old, has missed the event in 51 years.
Edward Earl of Wessex, her youngest son (pictured), read the speech of the 95-year old head of state to clergy and bishops. He praised the institution as offering hope during the pandemic.
The Queen spoke to the church about its “weighty responsibilities” in taking difficult decisions regarding the church’s future.
She stated, “In some areas, there may be different views. I hope that you will grow in the knowledge of God’s love as you work together to draw upon the Church’s traditions of unity in cooperation for the tasks ahead.
According to the Archbishop, Canterbury, it was a great source of comfort for the Church because the Queen prays.
In her speech, Her Majesty also spoke out about the effects of the pandemic coronavirus on all religions.
“Officially, in this richly varied modern society, our nation’s well-being depends upon the contributions of people of every faith, as well as of none.
“But people of faith have had to endure the most difficult years, which has resulted in unprecedented limitations when it comes to accessing public worship’s comfort and safety.
It was for many a time of sadness, anxiety and grief.
“Yet, the Gospel has brought us hope as it did throughout history; the Church has continued and adapted its ministry to new forms, including digital worship.
This was after Edward, Queen’s youngest boy, went to an opening ceremony at Westminster Abbey where the Archbishop and Canterbury led many prayers.
The General Synod, which is the Church of England’s national assembly that passes legislation, can be found here.
The meeting was the first in-person Synod gathering since February 2020. This took place before the pandemic coronavirus.
The eleventh Synod, which was elected in the autumn to a term of five years, will meet twice or three times per year.
As part of two days of debates and speeches, members will be discussing national issues such as the UK’s gap between the rich and the poor. They also work on a new strategy to support the Church of England.
She reminded the Church of its ‘weighty responsibility’ when making difficult decisions about the church’s future in her speech.
The General Synod’s Earl of Wessex, (centre), is at Westminster Abbey in London.
Before the General Synod begins on Tuesday, The Archbishop, Justin Welby of Canterbury greets The Earl of Wessex at Westminster Abbey in London.
Edward said, “In certain areas, there will be differing opinions. My hope is that you’ll be strengthened by the certainty of God’s love, as you work together, and draw from the tradition of unity and fellowship of the Church for the challenges ahead.
Buckingham Palace reported that after injuring herself, the Queen pulled out of the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the weekend.
Although she is scheduled to perform virtual audiences this week, no significant public engagements are planned for the rest.
Her age and the fact that she has been missing major engagements in the last few weeks have raised concerns about her health.
LAST SEEN — On Tuesday, the Queen was photographed leaving Wood Farm at Sandringham in Norfolk.
The Cop26 summit on climate change, Remembrance Sunday and Synod were cancelled and she pulled out of a 2-day Northern Ireland visit.
In April, the Queen’s husband, The Duke of Edinburgh, died at 99 years old.
This Saturday is their first marriage anniversary since Philip died. It would have been 74 years since the death of Philip.
According to the Earl of Wessex, the General Synod “probably understands why” the Queen did not attend the address.
Edward spoke on Tuesday before the Church of England national assembly in Westminster to speak on behalf of mother. He said that Queen Elizabeth had expressed her deepest regrets for not being able to be there today.
He said, “I believe you understand why. She regrets it deeply.”
The Synod was scheduled to host the Queen last week, but she missed Remembrance Sunday.
This is the first occasion that the 95-year-old Queen has skipped her five-yearly Synod visit in 51 years of its history.