Buckingham Palace says royal household meeting not related to Queen Elizabeth II's or Prince Philip's health

News of meeting sparks international speculation over health of royals

(Reuters)

A meeting called at Buckingham Palace is not related to the health of Queen Elizabeth or Prince Philip, The Independent understands.

News royal household staff have been called to a meeting sparked international speculation, including a story mistakenly published by The Sun falsely reporting Prince Philip's death, but officials say there is no cause for concern.

The Queen, 91, and Duke of Edinburgh, 95, are due at a ceremony awarding the Order of Merit later at St James’s Palace in London.

They both appeared to be in good health on Wednesday, when the Queen met with Theresa May to formally trigger the snap general election called for next month.

Prince Philip also made an appearance at a London cricket club.

Personnel from as far away as Balmoral are reportedly attending the meeting in addition to staff from Windsor Castle and Sandringham.

Staff will reportedly be addressed by the Queen’s Private Secretary Sir Christopher Geidt and Lord Chamberlain, senior officer of the Royal Household.

“Everyone is on tenterhooks,” a staff member told the Daily Mail.

“Although meetings involving the entire royal household are occasionally called, the way this has been done at the eleventh hour is highly unusual and suggests that there is something major to be disseminated.

“But at the moment, only those closest to her genuinely know what on earth this is all about.”

Speculation over the topic of the meeting ranged from a reduced role for Prince Philip Buckingham Palace renovations and future of the Commonwealth.

The Queen will be succeeded by her son, Prince Charles, with Prince William the next in line followed by Prince George.