The Queen will not travel to the Commonwealth Games in India later this year.
The Prince of Wales will represent the Royal Family in her place at the opening ceremony in Delhi in October.
A Palace spokesman says the volume of Her Majesty's engagements, coupled with other overseas commitments, means she will not be able to attend.
It is the first time in decades the monarch has not attended the Games.
This year the sporting event takes place a few weeks after the Papal visit to the UK.
The Queen has paid over 60 state visits to foreign governments during her reign.
