The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are preparing to leave Windsor Castle next month to begin their annual summer holiday in Scotland.
Her Majesty and His Royal Highness will be joined by their large ‘bubble’ of aides and associates who will be quarantined in Balmoral Castle alongside the monarch.
The Sunday Times reports that The Queen is expected to leave for Scotland in early August alongside her 22-strong entourage who have ben by Her Majesty’s side since lockdown began in March.
Accompanying the 94-year-old monarch will be Master of the Household, Vice-Admiral Tony Johnstone-Burt, The Queen’s Private Secretary; Sir Edward Young, and Her Majesty’s equerry, Major Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah.
Trusted aides Paul Whybrew and William Henderson will also remain at Her Majesty’s side, as will Head Groom Terry Pendry, and The Queen’s personal assistant and dresser Angela Kelly.
Mrs Kelly will be joined by her own personal assistant and three assistant dressers.
Staff already based in Scotland are preparing to join Her Majesty’s bubble, and are being tested regularly.
It was feared that The Queen would miss out on her annual summer holiday to Scotland this year due to the ongoing public health emergency.
However, with the easing of lockdown allowing people to visit their second homes, the monarch may now make the journey as originally planned.
Other members of The Royal Family are expected to join The Queen and Prince Philip at Balmoral, however, they will have to keep a safe distance from the 94-year-old if they are not part of the bubble.
Buckingham Palace has not commented on The Queen’s summer plans.
