Queen misses Commonwealth service as she continues recovery from stomach bug The Queen has been force to cancel her appearance at a major service celebrating the Commonwealth as she is continuing to recover from her recent bout of gastroenteritis, Buckingham Palace said today. The Queen had been due to attend the Commonwealth Day Observance at London's Westminster Abbey that will see High Commissioners from across the globe in the congregation and a key-note address from Sir Richard Branson. The Duke of Edinburgh will now be the only senior royal representative but the Palace said the Queen would attend an evening reception where she will sign the new Commonwealth charter. The monarch spent 24-hours in hospital last week being treated for the illness which leaves sufferers with vomiting and diarrhoea.