Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Saturday, Feb 22, 2025

The Queen Is Moving To Windsor Castle And Canceling Events Because Of The Coronavirus Outbreak

Buckingham Palace said the monarch, who is 93, made the decision "as a sensible precaution and for practical reasons in the current circumstances."

The Queen has canceled her public events for the next two months and will be leaving London a week earlier than planned due to the coronavirus outbreak, Buckingham Palace said Tuesday.

In a statement, the palace said the changes in the 93-year-old monarch's schedule were made "as a sensible precaution and for practical reasons in the current circumstances."

The move comes a day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said UK residents should stop "nonessential contact" with others and avoid public spaces to combat the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. The UK government has advised those most at risk -a group that automatically includes everyone over the age of 70 -to adhere to strict social distancing measures and "significantly limit" face-to-face interactions with friends and family for the next few weeks.

As of Tuesday, 1,960 people in the UK have contracted the coronavirus. Nearly 25% of these cases are in London, where the Queen is currently in residence. Since the outbreak began in the UK, 55 people have died.

The Queen will move from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle on Thursday. Although she was already scheduled to be in Windsor for Easter, per the statement, it's "likely" that she will stay there for longer than planned.

In addition, while the Queen will attend previously scheduled private meetings with the prime minister and two other VIPs at Buckingham Palace over the next two days, all future audiences with the monarch "will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, in line with the appropriate advice."

A number of the Queen's upcoming public events have also been canceled due to the threat of the coronavirus, per the palace. The annual Maundy Service on Holy Thursday -a royal tradition dating back to 600 AD -will not take place. The Queen hasn't been absent from one of these services since 1970 (she was on tour in New Zealand) and has only missed four in her entire 68-year reign.

The Queen also called off the three garden parties that had been scheduled at various dates in May at Buckingham Palace. This year's guests will be invited to attend one of her 2021 garden parties.

In Tuesday's statement, the palace said that decisions about major royal events scheduled for May and beyond "will be made in due course, in consultation with [the] government."

One of the most significant events on the royal calendar is the state visit of the new emperor and empress of Japan, which, if it actually happens, would be the imperial couple's first official overseas visit since they took the throne last year. When the state visit was announced in January, the dates were given as "Spring 2020" and further details have not yet been released.

The palace said that it had not yet made a decision about one of the biggest annual royal events, Trooping the Colour, which is currently scheduled for June 13, or the number of public events planned in celebration of the 75th anniversary of VE Day (May 8).

The Queen is not the only member of the royal family whose schedule has been affected by the coronavirus outbreak. On Friday, Prince Charles, 71, and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, 72, canceled a royal tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, and Jordan that was scheduled to begin Tuesday.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Saudi Arabia and the United States Strengthen Ties Amid Global Developments
Saudi Arabia Hosts Global Conference to Promote Islamic Unity
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Education and Child Development
Saudi Arabia Announces Competition for Best Founding Day Outfits
Saudi-EU Food Security Officials Hold Talks to Strengthen Collaboration
Putin Expresses Gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince for Hosting US-Russia Talks
UK and Saudi Arabia Enhance Collaboration in Innovation and Technology
Denmark's Embassy in Riyadh Showcases Danish Cuisine with Saudi Influence
Saudi Artist Salman Al-Amir Unveils 'Tafawut' Exhibition in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia Offers Condolences to Kuwait Following Military Exercise Fatalities
Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs Completes Ramadan Preparations in Madinah
Etidal Secretary-General Hosts UN Counter-Terrorism Director in Riyadh
ADNOC Drilling Targets Over $1 Billion in Investments for 2025 Amid Gulf Expansion Plans
Derayah Financial Achieves Remarkable Growth in Saudi Brokerage and Asset Management
Saudi Arabia Shortlists 30 Firms for Mining Licenses in Eastern Province and Tabuk
Saudi Foreign Minister Engages Counterparts at G20 Meeting in Johannesburg
Oil Prices Decline Amid Rising US Inventories
Saudi Arabia's NDMC Plans Green Bond Issuance by 2025
Moody’s Affirms Egypt’s Caa1 Rating Amid Positive Economic Outlook
Oman and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Economic Ties with New Agreements
Saudi Arabia Investments Propel Expansion of Qurayyah Power Plant
Saudi Capital Market Authority Advances SPACs and Direct Listings
Global Energy Leaders Gather in Riyadh for Symposium on Energy Outlooks
Al-Ahsa Region Sees 500% Growth in Tourism as Saudi Arabia Prioritizes Development
Saudi Arabia Advances Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Al-Ahsa with New Agreement
King Salman Approves Official Saudi Riyal Symbol
Saudi Credit Card Lending Reaches $8.4 Billion Amid Digital Payment Expansion
King Salman Approves Official Symbol for Saudi Riyal
Putin Thanks Saudi Crown Prince for Facilitating U.S.-Russia Discussions
Saudi Foreign Minister Attends G20 Meeting in Johannesburg
Saudi Arabia Prepares for Nationwide Founding Day Celebrations
Inauguration of Hira Park and Walkway Enhances Jeddah's Urban Landscape
Crown Prince Hosts Leaders for Informal Meeting in Riyadh Amid Gaza Rebuilding Plans
Saudi Official Highlights Achievements and Media's Role in National Transformation
Three Expatriate Women Arrested for Prostitution in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia's Diplomatic Evolution Highlighted at Saudi Media Forum
Healthy Eating and Preparation Essential for Ramadan Fasting
Saudi Arabia and Japan Forge Sustainable Textile Partnership
Advanced Limb Surgery Restores Mobility in Pediatric Cancer Patient
Jeddah Event Explores AI's Role in Boosting Saudi Arabia's SME Sector
UN Representative Highlights AI's Role in Perpetuating Gender Stereotypes
Saudi and Jordanian Leaders Discuss Enhanced Security Cooperation in Amman
Saudi British Society Honors Cultural Bridge-Builders at London Gala
Saudi Media Forum 2025 Explores AI's Role in Modern Journalism
Saudi Arabia's Saqer Al-Moqbel Appointed as WTO General Council President for 2025–2026
Saudi Deputy Ministers Engage in Diplomatic Discussions with U.S. and Dutch Officials in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia to Launch Iftar Program in 61 Countries During Ramadan
Saudi Visitors Expected to Spend £942 Million in UK During 2025
Saudi Arabia Gifts Kaaba's Kiswah to Uzbekistan's Center of Islamic Civilization
Digital Cooperation Organization Concludes Fourth General Assembly with Multiple Agreements
×