The coronavirus outbreak doesn't only affect the people but all of the events around the world as well. As the pandemic continuously spread across the globe, every country is now taking different precautions to combat the disease. Following the Government's advice, Queen Elizabeth II will now be in isolation as she begins her Easter break early. Sadly, along with her vacation is the cancellation of her favorite event, the Chelsea Flower Show.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) announced that the Chelsea Flower Show, which usually attended by the Queen and other royal family members, would be canceled this year, Hello! Magazine noted. In a statement on the gardening charity's website, it revealed that its shows at Malvern, Chatsworth, and Harlow Carr would be all canceled in line with the U.K. Government's decision to stop mass gatherings due to the "impact on emergency services."
RHS Director General Sue Biggs said that in these unprecedented challenging times, they followed the Government's advice and made a difficult decision, bearing the health and safety of the people in mind. The group knows that its shows are important mediums for the horticultural history and canceling the events will have an impact on everyone involved.
However, Biggs promised that they would be doing all they could to help growers and nurseries to sell plants that they grow for the canceled events. Although things may change in the future, their decision will be based on the safety of everyone. He also vowed to monitor the situation closely.
Aside from the event's cancellation, Queen Elizabeth is also set to start her Easter break early due to the coronavirus outbreak. Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement that Her Majesty would be moving to Windsor Castle, starting on Tuesday, March 19, one week earlier than planned. It is also more likely that the Queen will stay there beyond the Easter period.
The palace also added that the Maundy Service at St George's Chapel in Windsor on April 9 would also be canceled. However, audiences at Buckingham Palace would continue this week, but future reviews would be evaluated regularly.
Queen Elizabeth's birthday parade, or also known as Trooping the Color, the 75th anniversary of VE Day, and the Japanese State Visit will take place in due course in line with the Government's order. The U.K. council advised everyone to work from home for the time being and to follow social distancing measures to avoid the spread of the coronavirus. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office also recommended halting unnecessary international travel, initially for a period of 30 days.
