Palace officials announced Thursday that Queen Elizabeth II will not be attending the traditional royal garden party season. This is where she would usually meet hundreds of people at her residences in London or Edinburgh.

Buckingham Palace stated in a statement that the 96-year old monarch will be represented by other members her family.

Before the pandemic, over 30,000 people were invited each year by the queen to Buckingham Palace's gardens or to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at Edinburgh. The queen and other members of the royal family will be available to talk with guests who have served their communities in different ways.

The parties will be returning for the first time since 2003, starting next week.

The monarch has been unable to attend major events and instead has been engaging in online affairs. In October, she spent one night in hospital and continued light duties for several months according to her doctors.

The queen attended a March service to honor Prince Philip's life.

In February, she marked her Platinum Jubilee, 70 years of service to the throne. In June and later in the month, large-scale celebrations will be held to mark this milestone.