As government plans to deal with COVID-19 have changed, Buckingham Palace has announced some changes to The Queen’s schedule for this year.
After consulting the royal medical staff and government, the palace is rescheduling and cancelling a number of events with large numbers of people. As a precaution, Her Majesty will move to Windsor Castle for Easter Court on 19th March, which is one week earlier than planned. It is expected that The Queen will stay there beyond the Easter period.
The Queen is changing her schedule in light of coronavirus updates
We also now know that the Royal Maundy service at St George’s Chapel (due to be held 9th April) will not go ahead, and the three Garden Parties that should be hosted at Buckingham Palace in May will also now not take place. Those guests who have been invited will instead be asked to attend in 2021.
Members of The Royal Family attend a service for the Most Noble Order of the Garter at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, Windsor on the 17th June 2019. Picture by James Whatling
The two additional Garden Parties – this year for the Not Forgotten Association and the National Trust – will also not take place.
The palace is rearranging the scheduled investitures – for MBEs, Knighthoods and other honours etc – to take place on later dates; updates when we have them.
We do not know the fate of Trooping the Colour for 2020, which will officially mark Her Majesty’s 94th birthday, or the 75th anniversary of VE Day and the Japanese State Visit yet. Decisions will be announced in due course, ‘in consultation with Government’, the palace explains.
