Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend the annual Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in London, Britain March 9, 2020. (Photo: Phil Harris/Pool via REUTERS)
Prince William and Kate Middleton showed their support for the frontline workers by visiting them in an NHS center in South London before the lockdown. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge knew the importance of these heroes during the coronavirus pandemic so they took time off from their busy schedule to give them the praise that they deserve.
However, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s visit was not reported right away as it could clash with Queen Elizabeth’s important message about the coronavirus outbreak. ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship and Producer Lizzie Robinson discussed the scenario on their podcast.
"Kate and William's visit happened last Thursday but we couldn't report on it until last Friday,” Lizzie Robinson said. ”If you remember last Thursday was the day that the Queen gave her message of solidarity to the nation. I think the timing was so important. If they had put out the Kate and William visit that day, there could have been a real clash. They didn't want anything to overshadow the Queen's message."
Chris Ship then noted that Queen Elizabeth was expected to say something about the global health crisis, and she did. "Do you think we are motoring towards the point in which she might give some form of televised public address?" he asked.
"I think it's not a question that she would give a televised address,” Lizzie Robinson responded. “But I think it will be timed incredibly carefully, much like the statement was. We only had the statement a week ago and we're not going to hear from her every week during this. They're only going to deploy her at crucial times. I think there'll be some distance between the two if it happens."
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said last Monday that Britons are only allowed to leave their homes to buy necessities, for medical needs, travel to or from work if they are unable to work from home, and once a day exercise. This is an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19. The rule should be strictly followed for several weeks.
With that said, there is a high chance that Queen Elizabeth will be celebrating her birthday in lockdown. Her Majesty will turn 94 on April 21. And since she may likely to remain at Windsor Castle for the foreseeable future, the Queen may not be seen in public during her special day, and possibly not even in June when her birthday celebrations usually take place.
