Queen's Health Enters 'Uncharted Territory' as Britain Holds Its Breath

Queen Elizabeth II's health is in "uncharted territory" but the palace will likely not release minute-by-minute updates, her former spokesman has told Newsweek.

The 96-year-old monarch was placed under medical supervision on Thursday after her doctors became concerned. Senior members of the royal family are traveling to Scotland to be by her side.

Britain was bracing for the worst as the U.K.'s new prime minister, Liz Truss, said people would be "deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace."

The palace announcement lacked the usual comments designed to dampen public worry, making plain how seriously aides are taking the situation.

Dickie Arbiter, the Queen's spokesperson for 12 years, told Newsweek: "The statement was very clear that there is concern for the Queen's health and the doctors have recommended she remain under medical supervision.

"So, that speaks volumes. That the family have flown up—obviously there is incredible concern. There is also concern in the UK and concern throughout the Commonwealth, which the Queen is head of.

"We are in uncharted territory because up until now Buckingham Palace have not commented on the health of the royal family in this way. So, we have to wait and see what happens."

Arbiter added: "There won't be minute-by-minute statements. There probably won't be daily statements unless there is a deterioration or the Queen turns a corner and is back up on her feet again."

The Buckingham Palace statement read: "Following further evaluation this morning, The Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral."

Shortly after the announcement, the BBC suspended normal programming until 6 p.m. U.K. time and members of the royal family began making their to Balmoral Castle, where Elizabeth has been spending her summer holiday.

Prince William's children had their first full day at their new school near Windsor Castle, but will come home to find their father is already on his way to Scotland.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were due to attend the WellChild Awards in London on Thursday, but their spokesperson confirmed they planned to travel to Balmoral too.

Arbiter said: "The BBC won't know any more than the statement we have seen. We have to wait and see what happens in the forthcoming hours but the fact the family are there does say a lot, and the fact the doctors have confined her to bed.

"At the moment, it is encouraging that she is not in hospital. The doctors feel that they can deal with it at Balmoral. It would probably upset the balance, whatever is ailing her at the moment, if she was transferred to hospital. But we will have to see what transpires."