Buckingham Palace canceled iconic changing of the guard just before death of Queen Elizabeth

Shortly before the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace cancelled its changing of the guard ceremony, as public concern grew over the health of its monarch.

A large sign was placed in the courtyard of the palace shortly before 2:30 p.m. local time as worried citizens and tourists gathered, reports the New York Post.

Queen Elizabeth II live updates: Buckingham Palace cancels changing of the guard as public concern grows https://t.co/hjDiSjsUjH pic.twitter.com/RYLde75NKX

— New York Post (@nypost) September 8, 2022

“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,” a palace spokesperson said in a statement.

A formal ceremony, the iconic drills are held every other day and allow the palace guard to change shifts.

They were previously canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic over fears the ceremony and the crowds it draws would spread coronavirus.

Earlier in the day, Buckingham Palace announced that the 96-year-old queen was under medical supervision at her Balmoral Castle in Scotland over concerns about her health.

"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 palace said in a statement.

Queen Elizabeth always saw Balmoral as a cozy, countryside escape from London where she enthusiastically washed her own dishes.

Many of the queen's family members were traveling to England Thursday amid concerns of the queen's health. 

Prince William, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, were traveling to Balmoral by car after landing in Scotland, according to multiple news reports, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were also reportedly traveling separately to the Scottish castle.