The Queen’s absence from public life will continue for many months, with the 94-year-old monarch facing her longest period away from work in her 68-year reign.
According to The Sunday Times, Her Majesty will now be based indefinitely at Windsor Castle – unable to return to Buckingham Palace in Central London.
All of The Queen’s engagements in the summer and going in to August are now on hold.
These measures have been put in place due to Her Majesty’s advancing age, making her and Prince Philip particularly vulnerable to the ongoing public health emergency.
The Queen would usually be returning to Buckingham Palace within the next few days after spending the Easter break at Windsor Castle.
Her annual summer visit to Balmoral Castle in Scotland is also unlikely to go ahead as planned now, with Her Majesty staying at Windsor Castle until the threat of the virus is under control.
The government has ordered people to stay at their place of residence, and not travel to their second homes.
Although this advice is likely to be lifted at some point within the next few months, Her Majesty will be keen to lead by example.
She will continue to hold her weekly audiences with the Prime Minister via telephone instead of face-to-face meeting, and will continue to receive her ministerial red boxes.
The monarch’s recent addresses to the nation have been extremely well received, so it is not beyond the realms of possibility to see more of these as Her Majesty is conscious that she needs to be seen.
