Amid Rumors Of Being Wheelchair-Bound, Queen Elizabeth Tours Flower Show In Golf Buggy

As rumors of ill health and mobility issues reportedly plague the British monarch after her COVID-19 infection, Queen Elizabeth II was seen in public on Monday during a flower show in a brand-new golf buggy that analysts hope will allow her to participate in more public events.

The deluxe four-seater vehicle, dubbed the Queenmobile by many, publicly debuted at the Chelsea Flower Show from the Royal Horticultural Society on Monday. The Queen wore a bright pink outfit as she inspected the exhibits of the plant-based show, according to the Daily Beast.

The luxury golf buggy reportedly cost over $78,000, and comes in decked with new features such as a mini-fridge and tablet screens. Although she purchased the vehicle weeks ago, the vehicle makes its debut among rumors of mobility problems for the reigning monarch.

“The cart is a new addition to the castle, and they all think it’s a great idea... it’s certainly fit for a queen and hopefully it will help her fulfill her engagements,” a royal source said. “Everyone wants her to carry on for as long as possible being seen by the public. I’m sure the queen would rather walk to events and carry on as normal, but she is struggling at the moment.”

Accompanied by her son Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, among other relatives, she attended the flower show which featured exhibits commemorating her 70 years on the throne as well as a garden made by the U.K. charity Mind meant to be a mental health space for people to connect with each other, People reported.

The Queen reportedly has been forced to use a wheelchair since contracting COVID-19, but her staff has refused to confirm this amidst rumors that she does not want to be photographed using one due to her sister Margaret’s final photos having her look haggard in a wheelchair.

The golf buggy represents the new method being explored by the royal staff in ensuring that the Queen can attend royal events in spite of her rumored mobility problems, with many hoping that the new methods will ensure her attendance during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.