Queen Elizabeth II is facing a backlash over reportedly cancelling events to avoid being seen using a wheelchair.
The 95-year-old monarch is said to be struggling with her mobility and has regularly used a walking stick.
Actor and reported friend to the Royal Family Christopher Biggins claimed to GB News the Queen is embarrassed to be seen in a wheelchair.
"It's a real worry and I hope she is able to make her anniversary celebrations because it is not that far off," Biggins told the outlet.
"I have heard that the reason she is not doing a lot of the events that she should be doing and cancelling them is because she is in a wheelchair.
"She doesn't want to be seen because she's very proud. She has been like this for the whole of her life."
The Metro reported that similar claims were made by Gogglebox star and former MP Gyles Brandreth, who said the Queen doesn't want to be photographed in a wheelchair after her sister Princess Margaret was and it felt "undignified".
It comes as reports that a wheelchair-friendly lift has been installed at her Balmoral retreat.
The comments have sparked backlash online, as people say it will hurt wheelchair users and sets a bad example.
"There is no shame in wheelchair use," one person wrote
Another Twitter user said it creates a "dreadful" view towards disabilities.
