The Queen wore a black face covering edged in white during her visit to the grave of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey, newly-released pictures show. The simple face mask matched the monarch’s sombre black outfit and is believed to have been created by the Queen’s dressmaker and personal adviser Angela Kelly.
This is the first time the Queen is seen wearing a face covering since the beginning of the pandemic.
The monarch sparked backlash last month after stepping out of Windsor Castle for her first royal visit since March, during which she didn’t wear a face mask.
Alongside Prince William, she visited Porton Down to meet the staff at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and officially open the new Energetics Analysis Centre.
Everyone taking part in the engagement tested negative to coronavirus in the 48 hours before the Queen’s arrival.
GMB host Piers Morgan wrote on Twitter: “Why no masks or social distancing?
“Sorry, but this is not a smart move by the Royal Family as the virus rages and the country heads into another lockdown.”
Journalist Darren McCaffrey tweeted: “The Queen, a future King and a policeman – but no mask in sight.
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“Should they be setting an example and wearing one?”
Martin McHugh replied: “One hundred percent they should. Doesn’t matter your age of who you are.”
Colette Jones said: “So disappointed in their behaviour. They are supposed to be role models.”
Royal expert Joe Little pointed out medical advise had been carefully followed saying: “The Queen and the Duke of Cambridge will inevitably be criticised for not wearing a face covering, but medical advice was sought while the royal visit was being planned and social distancing seemingly was maintained throughout.”
The entry in the register, dated November 4, read: “The Queen this morning commemorated the Centenary of the burial of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey, London SW1, and was received at the Great West Door by the Dean of Westminster (the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle).”
The Unknown Warrior was buried at the Abbey on November 11 1920 in the presence of the Queen’s grandfather – King George V.
The monarch is expected to return to central London tomorrow to mark, alongside other senior royals, Remembrance Sunday.
The ceremony will be strictly socially-distanced and closed to the public, with people invited to watch it from home to protect themselves and veterans from coronavirus.
