Queen Elizabeth II missed the opening of the United Kingdom's Parliament for just the third time in her 70 years on the British throne Tuesday. In a statement shared to USA TODAY, Buckingham Palace said the queen consulted with her doctors and "reluctantly" decided not to attend as she continues to experience episodic mobility problems. Prince Charles read her speech at the ceremony, which sets out the government's agenda for the coming parliamentary session. Prince William and Charles' wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, also attended. Presiding over the elaborate State Opening of Parliament and delivering the Queen's Speech from The Sovereign's Throne is one of the monarch's most important roles as head of state. Tap the link in bio to read more. 📸 @apnews, @afpphoto, @gettyimages #unitedkingdom #royalfamily