Queen receives wishes of support as royal doctors fear for her health

Political leaders and celebrities have been sending their best wishes to the Queen as members of the royal family gather in Balmoral amid fears for her health.

An official statement released by Buckingham Palace on Thursday morning read: “Following further evaluation this morning, The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision.

“The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral.”

Public figures from around the world have been sending messages of support on social media.

Liz Truss, who visited Queen Elizabeth at Balmoral on Tuesday as she was declared the new prime minister, tweeted: “The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime. My thoughts – and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom – are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time.”

Labour leader Keir Starmer wrote: “Along with the rest of the country, I am deeply worried by the news from Buckingham Palace this afternoon. My thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time, and I join everyone across the United Kingdom in hoping for her recovery.”

Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 96th birthday in April and is the world’s oldest living monarch, having reigned over the UK since her inauguration in 1952. The country rejoiced for her platinum jubilee in June, making her the first British monarch to mark the milestone.

The Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, said: “My thoughts, and the thoughts of Canadians across the country, are with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at this time. We’re wishing her well, and sending our best to the Royal Family.”

“My prayers, and the prayers of people across the @churchofengland and the nation, are with Her Majesty The Queen today,” wrote Justin Welby, the archibishop of Canterbury. “May God’s presence strengthen and comfort Her Majesty, her family, and those who are caring for her at Balmoral.

“I can’t even imagine Britain without this Queen,” wrote Piers Morgan. “Very unsettling day.”

Singer Ellie Goulding, a close friend of the Queen’s grand-daughter Princess Eugenie, tweeted simply “Thinking of Her Majesty The Queen x”.

TV presenter Rylan said: “Whatever you think of the monarchy our queen has give her life serving this country. What a woman. God bless her.”