Today show host Karl Stefanovic makes crude joke about Queen Elizabeth, 95, using a walking stick

Today host Karl Stefanovic made a rather off-colour joke about Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday, after she used a walking stick for the first time at a public engagement.

The British monarch, 95, used a walking stick ‘for comfort’ as she stepped out of her car for an event at Westminster Abbey on Tuesday.

Newsreader Alex Cullen was describing how the Queen had been seen using a cane when Stefanovic, 47, suggested she might use it as a weapon.

‘She was using a cane. She is 95,’ Cullen said, to which Stefanovic responded: ‘She could use it to beat you up.’

‘I’d let her win. She’s 95,’ Cullen added.

The co-anchor then remarked: ‘She would smash you, bro.’ 

Public appearance: Newsreader Alex Cullen was describing how the Queen had been seen using a cane on Tuesday when Stefanovic, 47, suggested she might use it as a weapon

But things took a turn when Cullen said, ‘She would smash me and then jump on me,’ and Stefanovic replied: ‘I suppose she is single!’

The Queen is widowed following the death of her husband, Prince Philip, in April.

She had used a walking stick for support on Tuesday as she arrived for a service of thanksgiving to mark the centenary of the Royal British Legion at Westminster Abbey.

The monarch, who is the patron of the armed forces charity, was accompanied by her daughter Princess Anne as she stepped out of a car in London in the autumn sunshine.

The Queen is rarely seen with a walking stick, but she has previously been photographed using one on a few occasions including at engagements in 2003 and 2004 – although that was after she had a knee operation.

Bad taste: Things took a turn when Cullen (pictured) said, ‘She would smash me [with the walking stick] and then jump on me,’ and Stefanovic replied: ‘I suppose she is single!’ 

She left King Edward VII Hospital in London using a heavy duty one after the operation, and also used a wooden one at a Sandringham church service two weeks later. A few days later, she used another adjustable stick when she unveiled a set of bronze gates on the Sandringham estate, using it as a means of gesturing during the event.

She was said to have been using the stick ‘for comfort’ for the first time – and while no specific medical reason was given, the Abbey’s entrance could have influenced her decision because it is cobbled and uneven.

The Queen was handed the stick after stepping out of her state limousine, and appeared to be moving freely as she walked to her seat for the start of the service. The monarch used the stick again as she left.

Grim: Stefanovic was referencing the fact the Queen is a widow following the death of her husband, Prince Philip, in April 

• Categories
• Tags