She was unable to attend, and thus the two most senior Counsellors of State went instead of her. The people who can be named Counsellors of state are the four next people in the line of succession. For the opening of Parliament both Charles and William had to attend to represent the Queen, it would not have been sufficient with only one of them present.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Queen asks for Charles to step in. After all, he opened Parliament. It could be done very tastefully from Clarence House.
Well, the original plan may have been to travel back to London for the appointment. But, then commonsense may have prevailed and it was decided that the more agile and fitter person travel to the Highlands.
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