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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
World
Brynmor Pattison & Milo Boyd

Queen and Prince Philip separately heading to Windsor Castle amid coronavirus crisis

The Queen has left London for Windsor Castle as she socially distances herself amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The British monarch was seen driving away from Buckingham Palace with her dogs.

One of her corgis was spotted sitting next to the 93-year-old head of state.

The Queen is moving to the sanctuary of her historic Berkshire home a week earlier than she normally would at this time of year, and is expected to remain there beyond the Easter period.

Prince Philip has been helicoptered from Wood Farm in Sandringham to Windsor to be with his wife.

Buckingham Palace announced earlier that a number of public events, including garden parties and the annual Maundy Service at St George’s Chapel, will not go ahead "as a sensible precaution and for practical reasons".

The Queen drove out of the Palace alongside one of her dogs (PA)

The Buckingham Palace statement reads: "As a sensible precaution and for practical reasons in the current circumstances, a number of changes are being made to The Queen’s diary."

It added: "Her Majesty will move to Windsor Castle for the Easter period on Thursday 19th March, one week earlier than planned.

"It is likely The Queen will stay there beyond the Easter period."

Guests invited to the three garden parties the Queen typically hosts in May will be invited to the events in 2021 instead.

Her Majesty is heading to Buckingham Palace (Daily Express)
The Queen departing Buckingham Palace this morning (Daily Express)

The Trooping of the Colour and the 75th Anniversary of VE Day celebrations later this year have not been cancelled yet, but they are unlikely to go ahead.

The precautionary measures follow the UK government’s announcement that the spread of the coronavirus is thought to be some weeks ahead of the rest of UK.

The Queen is believed to be in good health, but she is 94 next month.

The Queen was forced to cancel some engagements this week (PA)

Prince Harry is said to have taken precautionary measures after he came in contact with a possible coronavirus sufferer.

The Duke of Sussex hugged Lewis Hamilton on March 6, who was with Idris Elba and Sophie Trudeau two days earlier.

Both have since tested positive for the coronavirus.

Palace officials would not say whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have isolated themselves at their home in Canada.

 
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