Monday 6 June 2022 10:46 PM DR MARTIN SCURR: How I wish our stoical but frail Queen would use a wheelchair! trends now
Although it might seem impertinent for a mere GP to proffer unsolicited advice to our Monarch, I feel duty-bound, respectfully and humbly, to urge this: 'Ma'am, it is time for you to set yet another new landmark example for the nation — by getting a wheelchair.'
Amid the national outpouring of love and gratitude in the past few days for the Queen's 70-year reign, many were saddened and worried that she was obliged to miss the service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral on Friday, due to experiencing 'some discomfort' during the first day of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
We can only guess at what this meant — but given that we do know she is loath to cancel any planned royal appearance, it would be safe to assume that these problems were significant ones.
But could there be another way?
Although it might seem impertinent for a mere GP to proffer unsolicited advice to our Monarch, I feel duty-bound, respectfully and humbly, to urge this: 'Ma'am, it is time for you to set yet another new landmark example for the nation — by getting a wheelchair.'
A fortnight ago, she navigated the Chelsea Flower Show in a chauffeur-driven luxury golf cart.
However, a four-seat golf buggy is so cumbersome that it can only take you inside a minority of spaces. A modern electric wheelchair could keep her mobile, active and joyfully exploring exciting places old and new.
And what's more, it would also make an aspirational icon out of a vital mobility aid that, despite being used by 1.2million Britons, still suffers from a persistent stigma.
I speak with some insight on this matter. My brother and I bought a wheelchair for our 93-year-old mother, whose mobility is severely impaired due to osteoarthrits.
She wanted to travel from North London to see the seaside. The wheelchair enabled us to take her right along the prom, to take the air and enjoy the views.
But when we subsequently suggested we might take her around her local shopping centre, the answer was 'No'. In short, my mum felt too embarrassed to be seen being wheeled around the shops.
She is of the Queen's generation, and so was brought up in an era when to be sitting in a
