Just weeks ago, it was suggested that the Queen was very much looking forward to the festive season.
It came after concerns for her health were heightened after she pulled out of a number of major engagements and she spent the night in hospital.
However, with just over a week to go until Christmas Day, her festive plans look in disarray amid spiralling Covid rates throughout the country.
The monarch was weighing up whether to hold her traditional pre-Christmas family get together next Tuesday but she has now decided to shelve plans for it as coronavirus cases are worse than ever.
Her Majesty's decision comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty were seemingly at odds over whether to cut back on socialising in the run-up to Christmas Day.
And although she is still understood to be committed to hosting her immediate relatives for Christmas at Sandringham - this too now seems to hang in the balance.
So does this mean it will be a lonely Christmas for the Queen?
Party cancelled
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The axing of Tuesday's party came a day after the number of Covid cases increased by more than 78,000 - the highest daily rise in the pandemic so far.
Her Majesty is said to have not wanted to take the risk of holding the party, which in some years has seen up to 70 people attend.
A senior palace source said: “The pre-Christmas family lunch will not be going ahead.
“The decision is a precautionary one as it is felt to put too many people’s Christmas arrangements at risk if it went ahead.
“While there is regret that it is cancelled, there is a belief it is the right thing to do for all concerned.”
Christmas in the balance
At the moment, her actual Christmas plans of spending it in Sandringham with her close family are still in place.
Due to attend the gathering are thought to be Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children George, Charlotte and Louis.
However, due to the fast-moving Covid situation, these plans may have to change.
And sources have revealed that the Queen is expected to take advice in the coming days as to whether it is safe to have a big family gathering.
If the usual Christmas plans end up also being shelved, it will be the second Christmas in a row that the traditional celebration has not gone ahead.
Last year, the monarch spent Christmas at Windsor Castle alone with Prince Philip as household mixing was banned.
First festive season without Prince Philip
Meanwhile, this year also marks the Queen's first Christmas without her beloved husband Philip, who died aged 99 in April.
And it is thought that being able to have her family around her would bring great comfort to the monarch.
A source said last month: "The Queen has told everyone she is feeling far better of late and is very much looking forward to welcoming them for Christmas.
“Like many other families, this will be the first time Her Majesty can gather with her extended family after being kept apart for so long due to the coronavirus pandemic.”
But whether she can welcome her family as intended remains to be seen.
