The Queen held an audience at Windsor Castle, her first in person appearance since her son, the Prince of Wales tested positive for the second time for COVID-19.
Her Majesty received Rear Admiral James Macleod as he relinquished his appointment as Defence Services Secretary. She also received Major General Eldon Millar as he takes up his new role as Defence Services Secretary.
Upon their entrance, they asked the Monarch how she was as she was seen holding a walking cane. In response, Her Majesty said: “Well, as you can see, I can’t move.” A palace source said The Queen had been feeling slightly stiff.
This is not the first time The Queen used a cane. She has used one on several occasions, including a reception at Sandringham House on the eve of her Accession Day. The walking stick previously belonged to her husband, Prince Philip who died last April at the age of 99. Her Majesty was first seen using a cane publicly in 2003 when she was recovering from knee surgery.
The Queen spent a night in hospital last October and was told to rest by doctors after previously canceling several engagements. She also had to miss the service at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday after she sprained her back. Since then, Her Majesty has kept a relatively low-profile, mostly appearing in virtual engagements.
The audience marked the first appearance since a close call with COVID last week. The Monarch had met with her son, Prince Charles just two days prior to him testing positive for the second time for the virus. Days after he tested positive, his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall also tested positive for the virus.
No face masks were worn during the audience as it is no longer legally required to wear masks in most public places in the UK.
The Queen returned to Windsor Castle earlier this month from Sandringham where she traditionally spends the anniversary of her father’s death on 6 Febraury 1952 passing and her ascension to the throne.
