No Queen for Commonwealth Games

For the first time in 44 years Queen Elizabeth II will not attend the opening of the Commonwealth Games this year.

The games are to be held in October in the Indian capital of New Delhi.

There have been growing concerns around whether the games venues will be ready in time, along with fears around security.

Buckingham Palace said Prince Charles will attend the games instead of his mother.

"The volume of Her Majesty's engagements, coupled with other overseas commitments, means she will not be able to attend."

A palace spokesman gave no other reason but said the health of the 84-year-old monarch was not an issue.

- © Fairfax NZ News