Flap over stairs cancels royal appearance

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, March 29 (UPI) -- British Queen Elizabeth decided not to attend a major military display in Canada this summer after organizers said she is too old to climb 17 steps to a stage.

The 83-year-old monarch and her 88-year-old husband, Prince Philip, were slated to attend the Nova Scotia Military Tattoo in Halifax in July. Military marching bands perform ceremonial drills during the event.

However, organizers told Buckingham Palace the 17 stairs to the 12-foot high stage would be too much for the couple, The Daily Telegraph reported Monday.

Palace officials responded by striking the event from the queen's agenda, saying if she couldn't address the gathering from the stage she wouldn't attend at all. A statement also said Elizabeth regularly walks up and down the 47 steps of the grand staircase at Buckingham Palace.