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Video report from actual ITV News editor Chris Ship
The Queen He went back to work, without covering his face, while doing his first public engagement outside of a royal residence from the coronavirus the pandemic gripped the nation.
The 94-year-old monarch was joined by her grandson on Duke of cambridge at the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) at Porton Down near Salisbury, where he met with scientists who provided vital support in the UK’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak.
He ventured from HMS Bubble, the nickname of his small domestic staff, for what was his first outside engagement in seven months.
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ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship explains how the Queen and Duke of Cambridge had assurances from their doctors not to wear masks
The Queen was in good shape when she joked while signing the guestbook: “Well, that proves we’ve been here, doesn’t it?”
There was also the traditional royal duty: the unveiling of a plaque to officially inaugurate the new £ 30 million Energy Analysis Center at DSTL, used by scientists for counter-terrorism work.
But a lot had changed in terms of the greater security arrangements in place for the actual engagement.
Neither the monarch nor William covered their faces.
But the 48 people who were supposed to come into close contact with them were tested for Covid-19 by Dstl beforehand, and all tested negative, and social distancing was carried out during the visit.
Lobbyist Republic criticized the Queen for not wearing a mask and said she should have set an example.
Graham Smith, executive director of the organization that campaigns for an elected head of state, said: “The Queen should set an example.
“I don’t see how this fits with the rules that everyone else is expected to follow, so the Palace must come up with an explanation that complies with the rules.”
Members of the royal family, including William, the Duchess of Cambridge, the Prince of Wales, and the Duchess of Cornwall, have been frequently seen wearing masks or visors during some, but not all, royal engagements, but the Queen has yet to be seen. has photographed. in one.
Face covering is required by law in certain indoor settings, such as on public transportation, in stores, and places of worship.
The government recommends covering your face in close quarters where social distancing can be difficult and where the public comes into contact with people they don’t normally meet.
Kensington Palace declined to comment on whether the duke also had to be tested in order to accompany his grandmother.
Second in line to the throne, William and the Queen, who previously would have been side by side, walked six feet apart while being greeted by staff.
The Queen also arrived by helicopter separately from the Duke, who traveled by car.
Small groups of the participants in the actual visit arranged themselves six feet apart for social distancing.
A spokeswoman for Buckingham Palace said: “Specific advice has been sought from medical staff and relevant parties, and all necessary precautions have been taken, working closely with Dstl.”
Salisbury’s compromise comes amid a resurgence of the virus, with the country battling a second wave and tighter restrictions in some areas.
The royal couple were also introduced to personnel involved in the rapid response to Novichok’s poisoning attack in Salisbury in 2018.
The queen was last at an official public engagement outside a royal residence when she joined the royal family for the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 9.
