It's a critical time all over the world as the coronavirus pandemic is spreading fast and killing vulnerable people like the elderly and immunocompromised. The U.K. government, however, has not yet issued a quarantine or lockdown but Buckingham Palace is reportedly studying the implications, especially with upcoming major royal events.
According to Daily Mail, the government directive is for the over 70 to stop non-essential travel and contact with the public. However, Queen Elizabeth and the royal family are supposed to have these engagements in the next few months: the state visit of Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masakois, the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the Royal Ascot, several investitures and the annual Trooping the Colour.
The Queen is also hosting a few summer garden parties in Buckingham, including the wedding reception of her granddaughter Princess Beatrice to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. The royal family will also celebrate Queen Elizabeth's 94th birthday in April.
These events usually have over 100 guests and an even bigger number of royal household staff and protection officers. In light of the circumstances, however, a postponement or cancellation is expected to take place.
Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth, who will be turning 94 in April, is going to stay in Windsor Castle beginning Thursday, March 19, as a sensible precaution. Buckingham Palace confirmed that she has canceled a number of scheduled events in her diary in the forthcoming weeks.
The Queen is moving to Windsor a week earlier. It has been her royal tradition to spend Easter in this estate but sources said that Her Majesty might stay beyond the holiday given the public health situation. Reports say that she could be in Windsor for one month.
The planned Maundy Service on April 9 at St. George's Chapel has also been canceled, per CNN. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that there will be new guidance for release this week, however, those over the age of 70 have been told to halt non-essential contacts.
The Queen's husband, Prince Philip, on the other hand, has been isolated even before the outbreak. The Duke of Edinburgh has been holed up in his estate in Wood Farm since he retired from his royal duties in 2017.
Prince Philip is not expected to make a statement on his whereabouts during this period. The duke is turning 99 this year and has underlying health conditions.
Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, who are in their 70s, are staying in Clarence House. The couple, however, decided to cancel their royal trips this week as a precaution as well.
