In March the Queen and Prince Philip retreated to Windsor Castle in Berkshire, where they have been isolating from the coronavirus pandemic. A skeleton team of staff have been looking after the royal couple, and despite the fact the Queen has been limited by the pandemic, she has kept up with a number of her responsibilities in these difficult times.
However the latest coronavirus updates may mean it could be a long time before we see her again.
Under the Government’s guidelines, people over 70 and those considered vulnerable should be shielding at home for at least 12 weeks.
At the age of 94, the Queen is considered part of this high-risk group, and would put herself at risk should she completely resume her royal duties in the current circumstances.
At the moment it is not clear exactly how long the coronavirus pandemic will last, or for how long the Government’s social distancing measures will remain in place.
But according to one royal biographer, there are fears the Queen will never be able to fully resume her usual public duties in the future.
Andrew Morton told The Sun: “It’s terribly sad but I can’t see how the Queen can resume her usual job.
“The COVID-19 virus isn’t going away soon and will be with us for months, if not years.
“It would be far too risky for the Queen to start meeting people on a regular basis.
“She has always loved getting out and meeting people but she can’t take the risk.
“How can she carry out investitures, meet ambassadors, do walkabouts and visit places without meeting people at close range?”
Mr Morton also pointed out how the Queen has other members of the family to think about, including her husband Prince Philip, who turns 99 in June.
He added: “If she gets the bug, it could be fatal and would put Prince Philip at risk.
“Prince Charles is, of course, over 70 himself but he has had the virus and probably has immunity now.”
Despite the fact the Queen may no longer be able to make in-person appearances in the future, the Queen has certainly remained as committed to the nation as ever during the lockdown.
In April the Queen gave a rare speech to the nation to thank frontline workers and the nation for their efforts during the pandemic.
She quoted famous lyrics from Vera Lynn’s classic war song, ‘We’ll Meet Again’, and encouraged people to come together to fight the virus.
The Queen also addressed the nation on May 8, as the country celebrated the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
The Queen told the nation: “Today it may seem hard that we cannot mark this special anniversary as we would wish.
“Instead we remember from our homes and our doorsteps.
“But our streets are not empty; they are filled with the love and the care that we have for each other.
“And when I look at our country today and see what we are willing to do to protect and support one another, I say with pride that we are still a nation those brave soldiers, sailors and airmen would recognise and admire.
“I send my warmest good wishes to you all.”