Eagle-eyed Queen lovers will likely have noticed Her Majesty wasn’t using her usual staghorn walking stick, as she stood on the balcony for Trooping the Colour.
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Instead, she was using a walking stick made of a lighter wood with a marble handle, which is believed to be a gift from the Army for the Jubilee. Though the sticks are remarkably different to look at, there is one vital similarity between the two.
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Both of the walking sticks used by the Queen during the Platinum Jubilee are the same height.
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It’s well-documented that the Queen suffers from episodic mobility issues and always has her walking stick on hand to support her, but having the correct height of walking stick in vital is preserving the health of the owner.
The Queen was gifted this new walking stick for her Platinum Jubilee
While both of her Jubilee sticks came to the middle of the Queen’s torso, you’ll notice that her usual walking sticks rest at around hand height – and this is the ideal height. “The top of the handle of the walking stick should be the same height as the wrist bone,” says The Blue Badge Co, who makes accessories (including walking sticks) for people with disabilities.
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A walking stick that is the wrong height can cause back and shoulder problems, as well as uncomfortable joint pain – not what the Queen needs at 96!
The Queen's usual walking sticks are a more comfortable height
“A walking stick can relieve pressure on painful joints and can improve your balance,” explains The Blue Badge Co. “However, used incorrectly a walking stick or cane could increase your risk of having a fall and may lead to injuring another area of your body,” they continue.
The Queen has a large collection of walking sticks
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee walking stick was likely ornamental – as was her other stick she used on the balcony when she wasn’t moving around – check photos of the Queen on the move and you’ll notice she uses a stick at a much lower height, to support her as she walks.
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