Queen Elizabeth Underwent a Secret Cataract Surgery Last Month, Palace Confirms

Get well soon, Queen Elizabeth! The 92-year-old monarch underwent a secret cataract surgery last month, Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement on Friday, June 8. “I can confirm that The Queen successfully underwent a short, planned procedure to treat a cataract last month,” a palace spokesperson said, according to People.

Cataract surgery is typically performed in an outpatient facility — the Queen reportedly checked into King Edward VII’s hospital for the day — is very common and generally safe, and is often done to correct blurry vision and increased glare from lights. Since colors may appear brighter to a patient who has undergone cataract surgery, it is advised that a person wears sunglasses while outdoors following the procedure.

The Queen on May 31.

It seems the Queen has been following her doctor’s orders after the operation because she has been spotted wearing sunglasses at several royal events throughout the past few weeks. One such occasion was a Buckingham Palace Garden Party on May 31, which Queen Elizabeth attended with two of her royal grandchildren, Prince William and Princess Eugenie.

According to The Telegraph, Elizabeth’s mother, similarly underwent cataract surgery back in 1995 when she was 95 years old but, unlike her daughter, she spent the night in King Edward VII’s Hospital after the surgery.

The fact that the Queen returned to work shortly after undergoing her surgery proves she takes her job as England’s monarch very seriously — even at age 92! In fact, 2018 has been Elizabeth’s busiest year of royal engagements yet and, so far, she’s completed 125 royal outings in the past six months. Keep up the good work, girl!

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