Rumors swirl after emergency meeting held at Buckingham Palace
Official says 'no cause for concern' as media gathers outside palace; speculation mounts on health of Queen Elizabeth II and husband Prince Philip
A Buckingham Palace official told the Associated Press on Thursday that a meeting of royal household staff has been called, but that there is “no cause for concern.”
The official spoke Thursday after a report by Britain’s Daily Mail of an unusual meeting of royal household staff sparked speculation about the health of Queen Elizabeth II, 91, and her husband Prince Philip, 95.
Both appeared to be in good health Wednesday. The queen met with Prime Minister Theresa May at the palace and Philip made an appearance at a London cricket club.
The official, who spoke to the AP only on condition of anonymity, said household meetings are called from time to time.
Television crews descended on Queen Elizabeth II’s London residence at Buckingham Palace at dawn on Thursday after the report of a “highly unusual” staff meeting.
The Daily Mail reported that servants from royal residences across the country had been ordered at late notice to London for a meeting Thursday morning led by the most senior official in the royal household, the Lord Chamberlain.