The Covid-19 pandemic has proved an unprecedented event for everyone. The last global pandemic was the Spanish Flu which occurred in 1918, meaning even the 94-year-old monarch hasn’t experienced an event like it. During the pandemic, Queen Elizabeth II has spent most of her time isolating at Windsor Castle with her husband, Prince Philip, 99. Undoubtedly, this has been a welcomed change for the couple who have spent their whole lives at the helm of duties.
And according to one expert, the Queen may have enjoyed the lockdown more than she has let on.
An insider close to the Queen told People: “In her twilight years, I am sure it is quite lovely not to have the pressure of a full calendar of public events.
“It is possible this is the only slight rest she has ever had in her whole life. She is well. She’s in good fettle.”
Even in her old age, the Queen and the royal family carry out near to 200,000 royal engagements every year.
READ MORE: Prince Philip ‘amused’ after Palace’s secret code mirrors old nickname
Prince Philip has also traditionally been one of the most active members of the family, carrying out hundreds of thousands of solo engagements at home and abroad throughout his career as Prince Consort.
Now, though, the Prince is enjoying his much-deserved retirement.
The Duke of Edinburgh stepped back from royal duties in 2017 and often spends his time at Wood Farm near Sandringham while the Queen continues her work in the city.
But in isolation, the couple have reportedly got as close as ever and even have dinner together every night.
The source also said the jabs were administered by a household doctor at Windsor Castle.
As for why the news was made public, which was an “incredibly unusual move” according to commentators, the source said the Queen wanted to prevent speculation and inaccuracies.
Royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills said: “Ever since we found out that Covid-19 vaccines were going to be rolled out across the UK there’s been speculation about if and when the Queen and Prince Philip would have it – after all, because of their age and not just their positions, they were at the top of the list.”
Ms Mills added: “The public service message that it sends out will no doubt enable those in Number 10 and the health service who want to promote that having the vaccine is safe.
“The monarch and her husband showing they believe in the vaccine, it’s the right thing to do; once again setting an example to the rest of the country as the Queen and her family have tried to do the right thing throughout the pandemic.”
