Princess Alexandra, Queen Elizabeth's last surviving bridesmaid, sparked health concerns when she withdrew from a concert celebrating her late sister-in-law Katharine, Duchess of Kent, despite being initially listed in the Court Circular as having attended. The 89-year-old's last-minute pull-out from the event at Sinfonia Smith Square in Westminster raises questions about her wellbeing as she approaches her 90th birthday on Christmas Day.

The concert, hosted by television presenter Alexander Armstrong, was intended to honour Katharine's legacy as co-founder of the Future Talent charity. Alexandra's sudden absence is particularly notable given that her last public engagement was nearly six months ago at a Buckingham Palace reception, suggesting she has been withdrawing from public life due to frailty. Other senior royals attended the event, including the Duke and Duke of Kent, Prince Michael of Kent, and various members of their families.