The British summer is usually a busy but enjoyable time for The Queen and her family. From the annual Trooping the Colour birthday parade to the slew of summer garden parties at Buckingham Palace and of course Royal Ascot, it’s a time when royal watchers get to see the monarch in her element.
But of course, this year is a different story all together with the COVID-19 pandemic changing life as we know it.
Like millions of families around the world, The Queen and her husband Prince Philip, 98, have been self-isolating since March.
And now, a new report from the Mail On Sunday has revealed exactly how the 94-year-old is spending her time in lockdown.
Despite the stringent restrictions in the UK, which remains one of the worst-hit countries, The Queen is continuing to stay fit and active with daily horse rides.
However, due to her age, The Queen isn’t taking any risks and drives herself to the stables each morning in her Jaguar without any police escorts or staff. Once she arrives, her head groom Terry Pendry has ensured everything has been prepped and cleaned, while staying two metres away from his boss.
“The monarch’s ride of choice is a black pony called Carltonlima Emma, named after the stud near Leeds where she was bred, and the routine gives the queen a sense of both freedom and normality,” royal editor Emily Andrew explains in her report.
The Queen is keeping fit and active with daily horse rides.
(Image: Getty)On hand at Windsor Castle are 22 staff who are working in a protective shield, dubbed the “HMS bubble”, to protect their elderly bosses The Queen and Prince Philip. The select staff are currently not seeing their own family and isolating at Windsor Castle, meaning they don’t need to go to extreme distancing measures with The Queen and Prince Philip.
The Queen and her husband have also been staying in touch with their loved ones via FaceTime, the report claims, revealing the pair have enjoyed speaking to their great-grandchildren Prince George, six, Princess Charlotte, five, Prince Louis, two, and most recently chatting to Master Archie in LA on his first birthday earlier in the month.
While the mother-of-four’s current schedule is wide-open, she’s reportedly been using this time to plan some upcoming milestones including her platinum jubilee in 2022 and Prince Philip’s 100th birthday, which will take place on 10 June next year.
“Although he’s sure to resist pressure for public celebrations for his centenary, the palace – and his family – will want to make a fuss,” the report explains.
WATCH: Prince Philip talk about figuring out his role alongside The Queen in the next slide. Post continues after the video…
While some recent reports claimed The Queen would be stepping back from public life entirely during the course of the pandemic, Andrews claims we can expect to see The Queen carrying out public duties, of course in a safe and secure capacity, in June and July.
“Whether they will be more engagements behind closed doors or controlled public meetings remains to be seen. Walkabouts, away-days and visits with members of the public may yet be some months away but she is determined to return to public life as soon as is safely possible,” Andrews says.
An insider close to her majesty also speculates she’ll be venturing out to church at Windsor’s Royal Chapel of All Saints as soon as it is safe to do so.
“I think the first time we’ll see the queen in public will be at church. She goes every Sunday without fail and her Christian faith means so much to her,” the source notes.
It’s believed The Queen is keen to return to public duties as soon as it is safe to do so.
(Image: Getty)
