Michael Palin Cancels Philippines Tour After Fall
The 83-year-old travel writer broke three ribs and a pelvis in a bathroom fall and now walks with a Zimmer frame.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Accidents
Michael Palin has postponed his tour promoting his book Michael Palin - In the Philippines after a fall in his bathroom broke three ribs and a pelvis. Ticket holders will be contacted about rescheduled dates.
Why it matters
The cancellation pauses a book tour tied to Palin's travels across the Philippines and his recent travel documentary work for Channel 5. His recovery underscores how a single fall can sharply limit mobility at an advanced age.
Palin fell at about 3:30 a.m. in his bathroom while returning from the toilet and remains on a Zimmer frame one month later. Rescheduled tour dates have not been announced, and ticket holders will be contacted.
The players
Michael Palin
Michael Palin is a British comedian, actor and travel writer, best known as a former member of Monty Python and for his globe-trotting travel documentaries.
The details
Palin slipped and fell heavily on his left side in the family bathroom while returning from the toilet in the early morning. He later posted an image on social media showing himself using a Zimmer frame outside, and he expects to rely on it for a few more weeks.
Timeline
October 8, 2026: Palin fell in his bathroom and broke three ribs and a pelvis.
November 8, 2026: Palin posted an image of himself using a Zimmer frame, one month after the fall.
Next year: Palin expects to find other show dates for the postponed tour.
Legal Context
Falls remain a leading cause of injury among adults aged 65 and older, according to CDC data on fall-related hospital visits. Palin's injuries illustrate how a single bathroom fall can curtail work and travel for people well into their later years.
Ticket holders for the cancelled Philippines tour will be contacted about rescheduled dates and should watch for notices from the organizers. The incident is a reminder that bathroom falls can cause serious fractures and that home safety measures may be worth reviewing.
The takeaway
Falls in the home can cause serious injuries at any age, and simple precautions such as grab bars and good lighting in bathrooms can reduce risk. Anyone who has bought tickets for the postponed tour should await official notice about new dates.
What happens next
Palin expects to announce new show dates for the postponed Philippines tour next year, and ticket holders will be contacted about rescheduled performances.
Further reading
For more on similar mishaps, see our Accidents coverage.
