As the UK adapts to the Coronavirus outbreak, The Royal Family has had to cancel or postpone engagements to ensure public safety - but they are still working to applaud the work of charity and healthcare workers across the UK. Find out more in our round up of announcements, visits and social media posts of the past months.
Changes to The Queen's Diary
Changes to The Queen's programme
On 17 March, Buckingham Palace announced that a number of events which The Queen was due to attend would be cancelled or postponed due to the Coronavirus outbreak, 'As a sensible precaution and for practical reasons in the current circumstances.' Read the press release in full.
Trooping the Colour, the 75th anniversary of VE Day and the State Visit by the Emperor and Empress of Japan were also subsequently cancelled.
Her Majesty left Buckingham Palace for Windsor Castle earlier than first planned. On arrival at Windsor, she released a message reassuring the people of the UK at such an uncertain time.
At times such as these, I am reminded that our nation's history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one.
The Queen
Her Majesty remains at Windsor where she continues to receive her daily red boxes which contain government and Royal Household papers for her to review and sign.
The Queen's Audience with the Prime Minister now takes place via telephone.
Messages of Support
An address by Her Majesty The Queen on the 75th anniversary of VE Day
The Queen makes a special address on the 75th anniversary of VE Day, at the same hour as her father, King George VI, made a radio broadcast to mark the end of war in Europe, exactly 75 years ago.
The Queen's address to the UK and Commonwealth
In a televised broadcast filmed at Windsor Castle, The Queen thanked key workers who are continuing to provide essential services during the Coronavirus outbreak. Her Majesty also commended those who are staying at home to prevent the spread of the virus, and looked to happier times once the current outbreak has passed.
The Queen's Easter Message
May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face the future.
In a special audio recording this Easter, The Queen's spoke of light overcoming darkness, and the hope that Easter symbolises. Read her message in full here.
The Prince of Wales shares a message on the Coronavirus Pandemic
As Patron of Age UK, The Prince of Wales shared a message on the coronavirus pandemic and its effect on the older members of the community. Watch his message below.
The Duke of Edinburgh thanks key workers
The Duke of Edinburgh has written a message to everyone who is helping to tackle the pandemic and keep essential services running. Click below to read his full message.
His Royal Highness is affiliated to over 750 organisations, including the scientific, technological research, healthcare and infrastructure sectors, which have responded to the outbreak.
Volunteers' Week
I send my best wishes to all those who give themselves so freely and selflessly in the service of others.
Her Majesty paid tribute to the kindness and generosity of volunteers during Volunteers' Week.
The Duchess of Cornwall also sent a message to volunteers.
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Teach First
To see teachers and schools going above and beyond for their pupils in response to this pandemic has been, in many instances, quite remarkable.
The Prince of Wales, as Patron of Teach First, shared a message of thanks to all those working for the charity at this time.
Carers Week
The Queen and The Princess Royal joined a video call with carers supported by Carers Trust.
Lockdown has been especially challenging for the UK's seven million carers.
Listen to the conversation on our Instagram channel.
Social Media
Social media has helped connect people around the world during the current crisis, and the Royal channels have used it to shine the spotlight on charities supported by Members of The Royal Family.
For the most recent Royal social media updates visit:
Instagram - @theroyalfamily, @clarencehouse and @kensingtonroyal
Twitter - @RoyalFamily, @ClarenceHouse and @KensingtonRoyal
Facebook - @TheBritishMonarchy
Some things to look out for on The Royal Family channels:
- On Mondays, we share homeschooling resources on @theroyalfamily Instagram channel.
- On #CharityTuesdays, we highlight the work of some of the UK's amazing charities.
- Every Thursday, we want to thank and celebrate the essential public service workers keeping our nation going. Follow #ThankfulThursday on Twitter to join in the conversation.
Easter in isolation
Easter is an important celebration for many Christian's around the world. Sadly, The Queen was unable to hold her annual Royal Maundy Thursday this year, or to attend a Sunday Service with her family at St George's Chapel, Windsor.
Royal Maundy Thursday
Every year on Maundy Thursday, The Queen distributes specially-minted money to pensioners from across the UK. These individuals are normally over 70, and are nominated by their local dioceses for their outstanding contributions to their local church and community life. This year the purses were instead blessed at the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace, some weeks ago before being posted to recipients alongside the letter from Her Majesty.
Her Majesty, has written to all 188 recipients of this year's Maundy money, in place of today's Royal Maundy Service. It is our hope that the letters will give recipients a chance to mark the special occasion from their homes instead.
Royal Easter Biscuits
The Royal pastry chefs were excited to share their 'Spiced Easter Biscuits' recipe with you to enjoy over the Easter weekend. Watch the video below for the full method, and find the full recipe here.
Royal Chocolate Cupcakes, for The Queen's Birthday
Happy birthday to Her Majesty! To celebrate The Queen's birthday we shared a chocolate cupcake recipe from The Royal Pastry Chefs. Read the full recipe and method here:
Nightingale Hospitals
Members of The Royal Family have opened Nightingale Hospitals throughout the country. These new facilities have been constructed in response to the Coronavirus outbreak.
The opening of the Nightingale Hospital, London
On Friday 3 April, The Prince of Wales officially opened the first NHS Nightingale Hospital, constructed in under a fortnight in London's Excel Centre. The Prince opened the new facility via video call from his home in Scotland.
The opening of the NHS Nightingale Hospital, Birmingham
On April 16th, The Duke of Cambridge opened Birmingham's Nightingale Hospital, after it was constructed in just eight days in response to the #COVID19 outbreak.
The opening of The Dragon's Heart Hospital in Cardiff
On Monday April 21st, The Prince of Wales sent a video message to mark the opening of Ysbyty Calon Y Ddraig, the Dragon’s Heart Hospital in Cardiff. The temporary facility is based in the city’s Principality Stadium, which usually hosts rugby, and will provide capacity for up to 2,000 additional beds to support the NHS in Wales during the coronavirus pandemic.
The opening of the NHS Nightingale Hospital, Bristol
The 28th of April saw the opening of the NHS Nightingale Hospital Bristol. At the opening, The Earl of Wessex said:
“Today, we once again owe a huge debt of gratitude to everyone working in the health service - whatever your role - whether you are tending those suffering from COVID-19 or looking after all the other patients who still need your care, or keeping our hospitals running.”
The temporary facility was completed in just three weeks, and is based at the University of the West of England’s Frenchay campus. The hospital will provide up to 300 intensive care beds for coronavirus patients, if local services need them.
A message to staff at the NHS Louisa Jordan Hospital, Glasgow
The Princess Royal has sent a message of support to all those involved in constructing the new Glasgow hospital - the new hospital was built in only 20 days and has over 1,000 beds.
Her Royal Highness also praised the 'devotion' of NHS staff across Scotland, and said that 'although we would all hope that it doesn’t need to be used, we can all be very grateful that it exists.'
The opening of NHS Nightingale North East, Sunderland
The Countess of Wessex sent a message to NHS staff, the Armed Forces, local government teams and other contributors, whose combined efforts have created the new NHS Nightingale Hospital North East in Sunderland, which Her Royal Highness formally opened.
The hospital has capacity to provide 460 more beds if they are needed in the weeks and months ahead. Staff - including nurses, physiotherapists and doctors - will be deployed from NHS trusts across the North East and North Cumbria, with teams working together to provide the best possible care, as part of the national coronavirus response.
The opening of NHS Nightingale Jersey
The Earl of Wessex opened Jersey General Hospital's Nightingale Wing via video link at a ceremony on Monday May 11th. The new Wing will provide the extra beds needed to treat Islanders if there is an increase in cases of Coronavirus. The Lieutenant Governor of Jersey, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, officially opened the new Wing on His Royal Highness’ behalf. The Wing will act as a field hospital, with patients assessed at the General Hospital first.
Garden Parties
Every year, The Queen welcomes over 30,000 guests to Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Garden Parties are an important part of Her Majesty’s diary, when she can meet people who have made a positive impact in their community.
The decision has been taken that Garden Parties across all Royal Residences will not take place in 2020 or 2021.
Palace Chefs have shared some of their favourite Royal Recipes for you to make at home.
Victoria Sponge Cake:
Click the link below for the full recipe:
https://www.royal.uk/royal-victoria-sponge-cake-recipe
Fruit Scones:
Click the link below for the full recipe:
https://www.royal.uk/royal-recipe-fruit-scones
Recognising volunteers
In the first week in June, The Queen and members of the Royal Family joined together to say 'thank you' to volunteers.
Her Majesty said:
It is inspiring to reflect on the many thousands of people, who through their acts of generosity and kindness, have achieved so much for the greater good.
Read more about the Royal Family's activity during Volunteers' Week.
