Queen Elizabethhas many homes — but it’s unlikely she’ll ever permanently return to the most famous among them, Buckingham Palace.
The 95-year-old monarch, who has been based at Windsor Castle for two years since the start of the COVID pandemic, is not expected to return to the iconic London palace to live,The Sunday Timesreported on March 6.
A spokesman at Buckingham Palace did not comment on the report. But the Queen is continuing to carry out a variety of engagements and official duties, and a royal source stresses that Buckingham Palace will remain the central base of the monarchy.
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The Queen relocated to Windsor Castle, which is located about 20 miles outside of London, when the pandemic hit in March 2020. It is not believed that she has returned to stay at Buckingham Palace since then.
In 2016, a$460 million decade-long refurbishmentproject for Buckingham Palace was announced. At the time, it was reported that the Queen would remain in the palace while the refurbishment was underway.
Trooping the Colour 2018.Chris Jackson/Getty Images
But the world has been turned upside down since then. With all the upheaval, she “has changed her mind, now feeling more comfortable at the castle where she lived withPrince Philipuntil his death last April,“The Sunday Timesreported.
Queen Elizabeth conducts a virtual audience.Victoria Jones/PA Images via Getty Images
On Monday, she held her first in-person meeting since recovering from COVID, greeting Canadian Prime MinisterJustin Trudeauin the Windsor Castle Oak Room.
Queen Elizabeth and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on March 7 at Windsor Castle.STEVE PARSONS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
At the end of February, the Queen also met with grandsonPrince William, granddaughter-in-lawKate Middletonand their three children —Prince George,Princess CharlotteandPrince Louis— at Frogmore House, which is on the grounds of Windsor Castle, theDaily Mailreported.Princess Beatriceand her 5-month-old daughterSiennawere also there for the visit.
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The Queen is expected in London on March 14 for the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey. She is also expected to attend service of thanksgiving forPrince Philip’s life on March 29 at Westminster Abbey.
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Of course, the Buckingham Palace balcony will also serve as the central site for the annual Trooping the Colour parade, which celebrates the Queen’s honorary birthday in June.
source: people.com
