Queen Elizabeth stepped out of her coronavirus bubble in Windsor Castle to join all of the working members of the royal family in a rare public appearance together.
The Queen, Prince Charles and Camilla, Prince William and Kate, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward and Sophie stood in a socially-distanced line as they welcomed and thanked some of the frontline workers and volunteers of the Berkshire county. The royals and their guests were also treated to a Christmas serenade from the Salvation Army band, prompting Princess Anne to tell her mother that singing is only possible in an open-air setting.
Photos of the royal family reunion were shared on their official social media pages. The royals, minus Queen Elizabeth, were also pictured with their face masks on as they spoke to the volunteers who were waiting at a big white tent decorated with Christmas ornaments and lights.
Apparently, Her Majesty had to step back inside Windsor Castle as a matter of precaution. Prince William was the last to see her through the door, and he was heard telling his grandmother goodbye.
The last time the royal family was together in one public setting was during the Commonwealth Day commemoration on March 9. A week later, the Queen and her relatives were preparing to leave London to isolate in the countryside as the World Health Organization confirmed that a pandemic is on the rise.
The family would again meet at the low-key Remembrance Day rites last November, but this didn't give the Queen any chance to talk to other people.
Witnesses at the reunion said that Queen Elizabeth appeared to be in good spirits despite the brief engagement. She was all smiles while talking to her sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. Some of the choir members also said that they saw Her Majesty mouthing the words while they sang for the royal family.
Meanwhile, royal observers were concerned that Prince Philip didn't join the royal family reunion when he's also at Windsor with Queen Elizabeth. Since his retirement in 2017, Prince Philip hasn't been making public appearances during official royal engagements.
Royal fans wonder if Prince Philip has received the COVID-19 vaccine. According to Daily Mail, Buckingham Palace didn't provide information on the Duke of Edinburgh's absence or his vaccination plans.
Also missing from this engagement was Queen Elizabeth's other son, Prince Andrew, who stepped back from his royal roles over a year ago. Sources said that it's unlikely for the Duke of York to return to public service amid his legal controversy.
Incidentally, the royal family will not spend the holidays together this year. Queen Elizabeth canceled the traditional celebration in Sandringham to comply with the government's guidelines.
