Queen Elizabeth II Returns to Work After Health Scare

Queen Elizabeth II was back at work at Windsor Castle today, three days after canceling an appearance at Britain's Remembrance Sunday.

The monarch, 95, had a meeting with the outgoing head of the U.K. armed forces, General Sir Nicholas Carter, at Windsor Castle, where she has been living through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Elizabeth pulled out of Remembrance Sunday, the annual tribute to Britain's war dead at The Cenotaph in London, on November 14, hours before she was due to arrive.

The move followed more than three weeks of canceled visits. These included a planned appearance at COP26, where she would likely have met President Joe Biden.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: "Her Majesty received General Sir Nicholas Carter at Windsor Castle today upon relinquishing his appointment as Chief of the Defence Staff."

The Queen stayed overnight in hospital in October with an unknown health concern and was subsequently given instructions to rest for two weeks.

She was expected to be well enough, however, to go to Remembrance Sunday ceremonies on Sunday.

However, that morning Buckingham Palace released a statement reading: "The Queen, having sprained her back, has decided this morning with great regret that she will not be able to attend today's Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph. Her Majesty is disappointed that she will miss the service.

"As in previous years, a wreath will be laid on Her Majesty's behalf by The Prince of Wales."

The Queen appeared to reflect on her years in an address for the Church of England yesterday.

She told the opening session of the 11th General Synod: "It is hard to believe that it is over 50 years since Prince Philip and I attended the very first meeting of the General Synod.

"None of us can slow the passage of time; and while we often focus on all that has changed in the intervening years, much remains unchanged, including the Gospel of Christ and his teachings.

"The list of tasks facing that first General Synod may sound familiar to many of you: Christian education; Christian unity; the better distribution of the ordained ministry to the needs of the population.

"But one stands out supreme: 'To bring the people of this country to the knowledge and the love of God'.

"Of course, in our richly diverse modern society, the well-being of the nation depends on the contribution of people of all faiths, and of none."

Reverend Mark A. Edwards, a priest within the Diocese of Newcastle, told Newsweek: "She has challenged the Church to put aside their differences, to unite, reminding them of the weight of responsibility that faces them over the next five years.

"I believe she has been bold in challenging the Church Government and all Christians in reminding them that they have been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation.

"I feel at times that the Church of England has become corporate and disconnected with the core values of the Gospel and the people they are called to serve.

"It has been also been influenced by the world's teaching, driven by the world's agenda. Her Majesty, in her address, is drawing them back to the teaching of the Gospel."