It was a strange royal week as one family retreated behind palace doors as a new lockdown began in England while all continued to work round tough coronavirus restrictions affecting the regal agenda as much as any other part of life. Queen Sofia of Spain may have been glad of a mask as she headed out in another challenging week for her family and one which brought very little to cheer her birthday. Here’s the royal week, in pictures.
A happy birthday?
Queen Sofia of Spain marked her 82nd birthday in the week and was out and about celebrating, dressed in gold. Still, easily, the most popular member of the country’s Royal Family, her smile was clear to see despite the mask she wore to comply with coronavirus restrictions.
However, her big day took place in another big week for Spain’s royals. Her appearance at a special concert supporting young musicians came just days before Spain’s Supreme Court announced it was opening a preliminary investigation into the business dealings of her husband, Juan Carlos, who went into self imposed exile in the summer.
Showing support
Queen Mathilde of the Belgians and her husband, King Philippe, went to the frontline of the fight against Covid-19 as their country experienced a worrying increase in cases.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe couple visited a hospital in Alost where they heard about work going on to free up beds and resources to help deal with the surge in patients needing treatment for coronavirus.
A throne’s throw away
The new wave of Covid affecting Europe continues to impact royal engagements and this week, Carl XVI Gustaf received ambassadors from around the world in a traditional ceremony with a difference.
As credentials were presented, the King of Sweden and his guests maintained appropriate social distancing with the help of a royal prop. No stone’s throw here, just a throne’s throw away.
A lonely, poignant tribute
The Duchess of Cornwall took on a role that meant so much to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother when she officially opened the Field of Remembrance in the grounds of Westminster Abbey. Camilla planted her own tribute during a short service.
A field of poppies has been planted at the spot every November since 1928 to honour those killed in conflict. This year is the first time it hasn’t been able to open to the public.
