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While Prince William is only second in line for the throne, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles are stepping down from their royal duties during COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Queen Elizabeth II, 93, and Prince Charles, 72, are being forced to cease their royal duties and stay home until further notice.
The novel coronavirus pandemic is affecting most countries in the world. However, in the UK, Matt Hancock, the British Health Secretary, has advised that special measures may need to be taken. He said that in coming weeks, anyone over the age of 70 could have to go into self-isolation for up to four months. This is due to the fact that the virus is more lethal for those over the age of 70 as well as people with existing health issues.
Prince William Becomes The Queen’s Regent
In the event of measures preventing the Queen from performing her duties, it is normally the job of Prince Charles to take over as regent. However, due to the fact, the Duke of Wales is over the age of 70, the royal family is taking no chances.
Even though his son, Prince William, is second in line for the throne, Buckingham Palace has announced that he will act as the Queen’s regent for the time being.
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A statement from the Royal Family advised that Queen Elizabeth has already made plans to change her schedule, due to the pandemic. The statement said, as a “sensible precaution and for practical reasons in the current circumstances, changes are being made to the Queen‘s diary commitments in the coming weeks.”
The royal family had consulted the Medical Household and the government to advise them of the changes to the schedule. This includes the Queen’s upcoming visits to Cheshire and Camden, which have now been postponed.
The Queen has moved from Buckingham Palace and will be staying at Windsor Castle for the time being. A spokesperson told The Sun that Her Majesty is in good health, but it was thought best to relocate her.
Royal audiences to continue as normal
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The statement concluded by saying royal audiences will continue as normal. However, it went on to say any other events are to be “reviewed on an ongoing basis, in line with the appropriate advice.”
At the time of the statement, around 21 people had died in the UK from COVID-19. These included people aged over 60 or suffering from existing health conditions.