Queen Elizabeth attended the State Opening of Parliament earlier this week. And unlike the previous years, she opted to wear a much smaller crown to the gathering.

Shortly after, eagle-eyed royal watchers became concerned about Her Majesty’s health. Rumors swirled that the 93-year-old has become terribly ill that’s why she couldn’t even wear the crown.

“The State Opening of Parliament is a sacred ceremony and wearing the crown is part of it. People were whispering, under their breath, ‘It’s true — she’s terribly ill and will be gone soon,’” a source said.

The unnamed source went as far as saying that Her Majesty is suffering from bladder cancer. But since she’s already old, she is already too weak to undergo an operation or even receive chemo treatment. The insider added that it’s only a matter of time before Prince Charles takes over until his mom recovers from her illness.

Additionally, the unnamed source said that the State Opening of Parliament is the Queen’s last public appearance.

“Her failure to wear the crown is stirring up fears that she hasn’t got long to live,” says a royal courtier. And word is that while Charles says his regency is temporary, he really has no plans on giving up the throne,” the source said.

But it is important to note that the Queen already stepped out in public after the State Opening of Parliament. She was photographed on her way to church this past weekend, and she also attended a rare royal engagement with Camilla Parker Bowles.

Even though the Queen didn’t wear her big and heavy crown at the State Opening of Parliament, this doesn’t mean that she’s too ill. She may have refused to wear the crown due to practical reasons.

And it is also necessary to take all of the source’s claims with a grain of salt. If Her Majesty is too weak and is sick, the announcement will come from Buckingham Palace.

Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II is seen at the Chichester Theatre while visiting West Sussex on Nov. 30, 2017, in Chichester, United Kingdom. Getty Images/Stuart C. Wilson