The Queen arrives for Ladies' Day at Royal Ascot 2018 in Berkshire last Thursday

The Queen arrives for Ladies’ Day at Royal Ascot 2018 in Berkshire last Thursday

The Queen was today forced to cancel an engagement at St Paul’s Cathedral attended by Angelina Jolie because she is suffering from a summer cold.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: ‘The Queen is feeling under the weather today and has decided not to attend this morning’s service at St Paul’s Cathedral marking the 200th anniversary of the Order of St Michael and St George.’

She added: ‘Her Majesty will be represented by The Duke of Kent as Grand Master of the Order.’

No doctor has been called and the 92-year-old Queen is expected to travel from Buckingham Palace in the capital to Windsor Castle in Berkshire this afternoon for the weekend as planned.

Her programme of events in Scotland next week is also still due to take place. Actress Jolie was invited to the service as a recipient of an honour from the Order.

Today's event at St Paul's Cathedral in London was attended by Hollywood star Angelina Jolie, who was invited as a recipient of an honour from the Order

Today's event at St Paul's Cathedral in London was attended by Hollywood star Angelina Jolie, who was invited as a recipient of an honour from the Order

Today’s event at St Paul’s Cathedral in London was attended by Hollywood star Angelina Jolie, who was invited as a recipient of an honour from the Order

The Queen was represented by The Duke of Kent at a service to mark the 200th anniversary of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George at St Paul's Cathedral today

The Queen was represented by The Duke of Kent at a service to mark the 200th anniversary of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George at St Paul's Cathedral today

The Queen was represented by The Duke of Kent at a service to mark the 200th anniversary of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George at St Paul’s Cathedral today

The Queen is the longest serving monarch in British history, having marked 65 years on the throne last year – and she still maintains a busy schedule of events.

She is known for her strong constitution and no-fuss approach to her infrequent illnesses. Last month she had eye surgery to remove a cataract.

She was treated as a day patient and did not cancel any engagements nor appearances, but was spotted wearing sunglasses.

In 2016 – the year she turned 90 – the monarch called time on her overseas travels, leaving long-haul destinations to the younger members of her family. 

But she still has a busy diary of events, and in 2017 carried out 296 engagements. 

The Queen sits with her grandson Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, on Tuesday at a Buckingham Palace reception after the Queen's Young Leaders Awards Ceremony

The Queen sits with her grandson Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, on Tuesday at a Buckingham Palace reception after the Queen's Young Leaders Awards Ceremony

The Queen sits with her grandson Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, on Tuesday at a Buckingham Palace reception after the Queen’s Young Leaders Awards Ceremony

St Paul's Cathedral in London, where the Queen was due to visit, is pictured yesterday

St Paul's Cathedral in London, where the Queen was due to visit, is pictured yesterday

St Paul’s Cathedral in London, where the Queen was due to visit, is pictured yesterday

Instituted in 1918, the Order of St Michael and St George recognises service in a foreign country or in relation to foreign and Commonwealth affairs.

The Order consists of the Sovereign, Grand Master (Duke of Kent), 125 Knights and Dames Grand Cross, 375 Knights and Dames Commander and 1,750 Companions.

The Badge of the Order depicts St George fighting the dragon on one side, and the archangel St Michael trampling Satan on the other.

The Queen grants the Order on the Prime Minister’s advice. The cathedral is the home of the Chapel of the Order of St Michael and St George, dedicated in 1906.



Read more at DailyMail.co.uk