While The Queen was set to have a reasonably busy March with several in-person events on her calendar, she will have a quieter start to the month now. A diplomatic reception planned for Wednesday, 2 March has now been postponed.
On the advice of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Majesty has cancelled the diplomatic reception scheduled to be held at Windsor Castle.
The Queen tested positive for Covid-19 on 20 February. The Palace announced that she would be scaling back on work but still maintaining light duties and continuing on with virtual engagements. However, in the days following, it was announced that she would be cancelling several virtual meetings as she was experiencing “mild, cold-like symptoms.”
It is unclear whether or not The Queen is postponing the reception because of her illness or because of political unrest in Ukraine and the surrounding area.
Neither The Queen nor The Prince of Wales has yet to make a statement on Russia invading Ukraine on Thursday and the continuing actions. However, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared the following message on Twitter and Instagram in support of Ukraine:
“In October 2020 we had the privilege to meet President Zelenskyy and the First Lady to learn of their hope and optimism for Ukraine’s future.
“Today we stand with the President and all of Ukraine’s people as they bravely fight for that future ?? W & C“
There has been no date set for the diplomatic reception yet. While The Queen did cancel some engagements, she did still speak with Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the phone for their weekly meeting.
The Queen is scheduled to attend the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on 14 March and the Service of Thanksgiving in honour of Prince Philip (also at Westminster Abbey) on 29 March.
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