Queen Elizabeth is reportedly dealing with some medical issues that she isn’t willing to take action to correct because of her loyalty to her job. However, one medical expert is warning Her Majesty that by continuing her workload without addressing her issues could prove to be a decision she might regret.

Speaking to Express UK, Shamir Patel, a pharmacist and founder of Chemist 4 U, revealed that after Queen Elizabeth, 93, told friends in 2018 that her “knees were playing up,” she needed to seek treatment, and the fact that she still hasn’t could prove to make any symptoms she’s facing worse as time goes on.

“Of course anybody, of any age, who has undergone surgery and then experiences problems with that area should seek medical advice and guidance,” he told the publication. “It may well be the case that there is not a serious issue here, but that a check-up is needed to ensure everything is okay with the surgery that was completed 16 years ago.”

Patel referred to the surgery the Queen had on her knee to repair some torn cartilage back in 2003, and revealed that her current problems are not likely a result of that past procedure because of how long it has been since then, but she still needs to be careful and take proper care of herself in order to stop things from becoming more problematic.

“With any procedure comes risks, but most come during or shortly after the surgery,” he said. “As her Majesty’s operation was back in 2003, it could be thought that the chance of her developing complications as a result of the surgery are slim, especially because the procedure was not a knee replacement, but only to repair a torn cartilage in her right knee. However, all of this being said, this [the claim the Queen’s knee is playing up] could indicate that further knee problems may arise for Her Majesty at some point.”

Her work schedule, in particular, may be causing the problems, which doesn’t help.

“The regular engagements and public appearance she completes can be tiring for anybody,” Patel said. “If she is facing issues with her knee then putting strain and pressure on it could end up making the symptoms worse and could make medical intervention essential. Your knees support you greatly when you walk, and therefore the number of appearances and visits that Her Majesty undertakes will be putting a strain on them.”

“If she was experiencing discomfort she should certainly take some rest and seek medical advice and support,” he added. “At the end of the day, her health and wellbeing is the most important thing here.”

Patel’s comments come shortly after news of the Queen discussing her knees was revealed, with a palace source previously stating she had confirmed to friends at last year’s Chelsea Flower Show that her knees had been bothersome, but that she wasn’t planning on causing any fuss about it.

“She was talking to friends at the Chelsea Flower Show and said her knees were playing up,” the source said. “But she is reluctant to have an op due to the time it would take to recover. She is incredibly brave. People from her and Philip’s generation battle through problems and carry on. And Her Majesty doesn’t like to cause any fuss.”

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