Prince William, the second in line to the British throne, might soon be acting as the placeholder for Queen Elizabeth amid the coronavirus scare that's happening globally. Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, can't take over for his mother since he is also a high-risk individual against COVID-19.
Royal experts said that the Duke of Cambridge, who is in his late 30s, might have to step in for his father and grandmother. According to Daily Express, the U.K. government could be implementing measures soon to mandate those over 70 years old to be in self-isolation.
Some 21 people in the ages of 60 and above have died in the U.K. as the coronavirus pandemic has yet to flatten the curve. Scientists and medical experts have been calling on governments to impose stringent measures, including a four-month quarantine for those most at risks.
If the government implements this directive, several members of the royal family could remain indoors for a longer duration. Apart from Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles, these other royal family members might need to self-isolate as well as they are above 70: Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Queen's cousins Prince Edward and Katherine, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, and Prince Richard and Birgitte, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, and Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, as well as his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, are in their 60s and may be high risks as well.
Buckingham Palace is said to be studying the implications, should the directive be in place, according to ITV royal editor Chris Ship. This means that royal events and gatherings, including speeches, will be altered or changed.
Earlier, Queen Elizabeth was reported to have left Buckingham Palace for Windsor Castle. It was thought that the Queen was going to self-isolate as the infection cases rise but she was apparently there to attend a mass at the nearby church.
Her Majesty is currently back in Buckingham Palace to attend meetings and hold audiences. Buckingham Palace, however, confirmed that there have been changes to the Queen's most recent schedules due to the threat of COVID-19. A spokesperson said that the changes were for sensible and practical reasons.
Prince Charles and Camilla, on the other hand, have postpone their trips to four countries set in the coming weeks. The Prince of Wales was advised to have little social contact to be remain safe and healthy.
