Queen Elizabeth 'will not' return to Buckingham Palace after Balmoral

This reportedly marks HRH’s longest absence from her official residence in her 68-year reign
Getty Images
Marissa Desantis25 August 2020

The Queen may be ready to get back to work, but she won’t be returning to her home base, Buckingham Palace, for the remainder of the year.

According to a report from the Sunday Times, the Queen will head to Windsor Castle in October following her annual summer holiday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

The Queen has been residing at Windsor with her husband, Prince Philip, since March 19, when the severity of the pandemic began escalating. And this is thought to be her longest absence from Buckingham Palace in the 68 years that she has reigned as Queen.

Queen Elizabeth during a virtual engagement
PA

The Sunday Times noted that the Queen is not expected to return to Buckingham Palace until the pandemic is over, though she will work remotely and attend engagements when possible.

It was also noted that the Queen is expected to spend Christmas in Sandringham, as is tradition.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip at Windsor Castle 
PA

When the Queen and Prince Philip traveled to Balmoral in August, it marked the first time that they had left Windsor Castle since the start of the pandemic.

According to reports, they traveled by helicopter with a small team of staff that had been working with her since March. Those “bubbles” of household staff are expected to continue to accompany the Queen as a safety measure.

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