Queen Elizabeth

Queen ElizabethGetty images

Queen Elizabeth was set to travel to Belfast this week, but has now decided not to

Queen Elizabeth was meant to be attending 'The Oldie' Awards this week. The Oldie is a magazine aimed at elderly folk and is designed to celebrate the lifetime achievements of notable “old” people with past recipients including Mary Berry and Amanda Barrie.

While Queen Elizabeth was set to be presented with the 'Oldie of the Year' award at this year's ceremony, the monarch instead chose to politely decline the award, stating that 'you are only as old as you feel'. 

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While Queen Elizabeth chose to decline the award, she made sure to send her best wishes to the organizers of the event. The late Prince Philip was a winner of the award in 2011.

As the nation's longest-reigning monarch, she is due to mark her Platinum Jubilee next year after 70 years as Queen. This will be a major celebration in the United Kingdom and a milestone event for the Royal Family.

Author and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, chairman of the awards, wrote to the Queen's private secretary, Sir Edward Young, to ask if she would accept the title.

However, in a response from Queen Elizabeth's private secretary, the reasons for the Queen's reluctance to accept the prize were outlined. He said "Her Majesty believes you are as old as you feel, as such The Queen does not believe she meets the relevant criteria to be able to accept, and hopes you will find a more worthy recipient."

While Queen Elizabeth may not deem herself suitable for the award, recent news has emerged that details how the Queen has been advised to forego her trip to Belfast altogether, and get some much-needed rest. Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “The Queen has reluctantly accepted medical advice to rest for the next few days.