Queen Elizabeth discreetly did her royal duty this week and slipped out of Windsor Castle Wednesday for a private event to honor the war heroes at Westminster Abbey.
It was Her Majesty's first solo outing in London since her isolation during this pandemic lockdown in the last seven months. She visited the grave of the Unknown Warrior at the abbey's west side. The site is where many unidentified soldiers, who gave their lives for the country during the First and Second World War, remain buried.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Queen went to the Unknown Warrior's grave in a court circular published the day after her visit. The circular noted that the Queen was at the grave with the Very Revered Dr. David Hoyle.
Queen Elizabeth's visit coincided with the 100th anniversary of the special burial site. Her Majesty's grandfather, King George V, was present at the very first service which took place two years after World War I.
Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth is also expected to join the rest of the royal family, as well as a small number of war veterans, for a scaled-down Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph on Nov. 8. But, the monarch is expected to stay safely at the balcony in Whitehall and watch Prince Charles and Prince William on the ground. The princes will honor war heroes by laying down the wreaths at the Cenotaph.
The Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge will likely join Her Majesty at the balcony. According to reports, this will be a socially-distanced affair while the rest of the British people are encouraged to mark Remembrance Sunday from their homes since the ceremony will be televised. Prior to the pandemic, Remembrance Sunday usually has thousands of attendees and participants.
It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed a second nationwide lockdown beginning Nov. 5 until the first week of December. Non-essential shops, including restaurants and gyms, will cease operation but schools will continue to have in-person classes. The royal family will also continue performing royal duties of traditional importance while following the government guidelines.
Meanwhile, the Queen returned to Windsor Castle just in time for the lockdown. Prince Philip joined Her Majesty after staying at his retirement home in Wood Farm in Sandringham.
Sources told Hello! that the Duke of Edinburgh wanted to be with his wife during the second lockdown so they could spend their 73rd wedding anniversary together. The couple married on Nov. 20, 1947.
