The Queen has issued a statement regarding COVID-19, after several cancellations and changes to the royal diary in accordance with precautionary measures.
The Queen has traveled to Windsor for her Easter holiday a week earlier than planned, and Prince Philip has taken a helicopter from Sandringham to Windsor to be with her.
As Philip and I arrive at Windsor today, we know that many individuals and families across the United Kingdom, and around the world, are entering a period of great concern and uncertainty.
We are all being advised to change our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of the communities we live in and, in particular, to protect the most vulnerable within them.
At times such as these, I am reminded that our nation’s history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one, concentrating our combined efforts with a focus on the common goal.
We are enormously thankful for the expertise and commitment of our scientists, medical practitioners and emergency and public services; but now more than any time in our recent past, we all have a vitally important part to play as individuals – today and in the coming days, weeks and months.
Many of us will need to find new ways of staying in touch with each other and making sure that loved ones are safe. I am certain we are up to that challenge. You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part.
royal.uk
In addition to The Queen traveling to Windsor early, and probably staying there longer than normal, there have been other cancelations: various royal engagements will be adjusted, postponed, or canceled if they involve large groups of people; the annual Maundy Service at Windsor is canceled; the Buckingham Palace Garden Parties are canceled for this year; investitures are postponed until a later date. The State Visit by the Emperor and Empress of Japan, which was scheduled for this spring, is also postponed.
Princess Beatrice‘s wedding, which was scheduled for May 29, is being reviewed. Their reception, which was to take place in the BP gardens, is canceled. The marriage ceremony may still take place, but that may also be canceled if things change.
Prince William was the first British royal to actually address COVID-19 when he released a video message launching a National Emergencies Trust appeal to raise funds for UK charities and grassroots organizations who are helping people during this crisis.
Whenever and wherever adversity strikes, the people of the United Kingdom have a unique ability to pull together. The way that local communities support those affected shows the very best of our values and human nature. The public’s desire to help in the wake of tragedy needs to be managed and channelled in the best possible way – which is why the establishment of the National Emergencies Trust was so important.
I said at its launch last year that I dreaded the day when it would be needed. Sadly, with the outbreak of COVID-19, that day has come faster than any of us would have hoped. But now, more than ever, I am grateful that the National Emergencies Trust exists. It will ensure the support reaches those across the UK who need it most, as quickly and efficiently as possible. And it will help to ensure that all our efforts to overcome this challenge are channelled in the best possible way.
Kensington Royal IG
Please stay safe everyone; and remember that social distancing isn’t just about you, it’s about everyone else, too. I’m obviously not a doctor so I don’t want to give advice on anything, but heed WHO and government advice on social distancing and hygiene.
In times like these, royal watching can seem so frivolous, but with my anxiety at a high and staying home as much as possible, I’m going to try to keep blogging as much as I can to provide myself and you with some form of distraction.
