Queen Elizabeth II sparks fresh fears for her health after cancelling traditional Balmoral event

Queen Elizabeth II has left royal fans concerned after she sparked fresh fears for her health by cancelling her traditional "welcome to Balmoral" event.

The 96-year-old monarch - who has undertaken very few public engagements this year due to ongoing health issues - arrived at her Scottish estate in late July and had been due to attend tomorrow's annual ceremony, however it has since been axed and replaced with a "small, private event".

Buckingham Palace explained the private ceremony is "in line with adapting Her Majesty’s schedule for her comfort."

Apart from during the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be the first time in decades that the queen won't greet well-wishers at the gates of the castle to mark the start of her annual holiday.

A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "The traditional welcome to Balmoral is normally cemented in the Queen's calendar and something Her Majesty really enjoys, being able to greet locals who travel to see her.

"It's a bitter disappointment the ceremony will not take place in its traditional form."

While the queen will still inspect a Guard of Honour from Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, the Royal ­Regiment of Scotland, it will be in private on the Balmoral lawns within the castle grounds and no TV cameras, photographers or reporters will be invited.