WORRIES: The Queen has sparked fears about her health after cutting back her public duties [PA]
Security service bosses fear the 87-year-old is frailer than palace aides are letting on.
One insider told us: "Whenever they ask what is happening, the Royal Household staff just say it's a private matter for the Queen and her doctors.
"But it's important as they need to know - we are talking about the head of state.
"The royal family are concerned and so are the security services."
Royal engagements monitor Tim O'Donovan confirmed the Queen had cut down on her appearances.
His figures show during last year's Jubilee celebrations she had 425 engagements.
This year she has done 341 which is also down on the 370 she completed in 2011 and the 444 carried out in 2010.
Her Majesty was hospitalised in March for the first time in a decade after being struck down by gastroenteritis.
Last month she decided not to go to Sri Lanka for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference. It was the first time she had missed the summit since 1973. And Prince William, 31, recently gave up his military career to help out with more official duties.
KINGLY: Prince William has stepped down from the military to help the Queen [GETTY]
Royal watcher Mr O'Donovan said: "She is cutting back and quite right too.
"This year she is doing less and cutting down on investitures that are quite tiring. She has Prince Charles, the Princess Royal and the Duke of Cambridge helping."
Aides have also admitted there has been a "wide-scale review" of the Queen's travel arrangements, although the Palace insists it is business as usual even though she has had fewer engagements.
A spokeswoman said: "As always Her Majesty has a significant number of audiences, internal briefings and business, as well as reading red boxes with official papers each day.
"This does not mean that the Queen is any less busy than she was this time last year."
Insiders say the Queen prefers to read her official papers in the comfort of Windsor Castle where she goes for long weekends.
She is also anxious not to put any more strain on ailing husband Prince Philip, 92, who spent 11 days in the London Clinic after a stomach operation in June this year.
STEPPING UP: Charles and Camilla also do their fair share of Royal duties [GETTY]
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