Prince Philip was forced to self-isolate with the Queen for more than five months due to the coronavirus crisis. The couple has been together for almost 73 years, with the Duke of Edinburgh working by her side until 2017 when he retired. But now in this new normal, what heartbreaking choice has Prince Philip been forced to make?
The Queen and Prince Philip are currently enjoying a shorter than normal summer holiday break in Scotland.
They travelled up to Balmoral Estate for a holiday earlier this month.
The couple is expected to return to Windsor Castle at the beginning of September with the Queen recommencing certain official engagements in October when the autumn schedule resumes.
The Queen is “very keen to return to normal” and is excited to “get back to work in London” according to sources.
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Prince Philip instead spends most of his time reading, painting watercolours and having friends to stay.
A friend of the royal said the Queen feels the Duke has earned himself a “proper retirement” after being “on duty” since the couple married in 1947.
This friend said: “She knows him too well — if he was still at the centre of royal life he’d feel he had to be involved.
“Being at Wood Farm means he’s not too far away, but far enough to be able to relax.”
Prince Philip instead spends most of his time reading, painting watercolours and having friends to stay.
A friend of the royal said the Queen feels the Duke has earned himself a “proper retirement” after being “on duty” since the couple married in 1947.
This friend said: “She knows him too well — if he was still at the centre of royal life he’d feel he had to be involved.
“Being at Wood Farm means he’s not too far away, but far enough to be able to relax.”
But with news of the deadly coronavirus infection, Prince Philip moved from Wood Farm to Windsor Castle in March.
Typically he travels down to Windsor Castle for the Easter period, but he travelled sooner than he normally would so as to be able to self-isolate with the Queen.
Royal sources claim the pandemic has brought the couple closer together as they are spending much more time together than they have for several years.
Being together once again is said to be truly helpful for the Queen and so despite missing out on his typical retirement routine, it appears he is enjoying the benefits of spending time with his wife.
A source said: “Everyone who has seen her recently says the Queen appears to have a new lease of life because she loved the chance to spend quality time with Philip again.
“Obviously she has been gravely worried about the nation during the pandemic but those around her have seen how amazing they have been together.
“Because of self-isolation and with only a small team of loyal staff, dubbed ‘HMS Bubble’, this is the first time the Queen has been able to spend quality time with her husband for years.
“They have been able to relax and finally have the chance to live like regular people aged in their 90s should be able to.
“It has sparked whispers within the palace that now, at 94 years old, the Queen could step back further and enjoy her life with Philip.
“But there is no sign she ever wants to stop working. They haven’t really had a period of time together like this in many years.
“They have remembered what a good team they are and privately decided they should not be separated ever again.
“They are causing a headache because they don’t want to live apart any more.”
