How the Queen may choose to navigate the 'Christmas Bubble' in the UK
By Jo Abi| 2 months ago
The royal family is facing a more intimate Christmas celebration this year with the UK in lockdown due to COVID-19 and restrictions expected to remain in place for some time.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged families to be cautious when it comes to their own gatherings and use their "personal judgement" about who to see over the festive season, with so-called 'Christmas bubbles' being decided upon by families.
Under the current restrictions three households can mix from Wednesday 23 December to Sunday 27 December.
As it stands, the Queen and Prince Philip are isolating at Windsor Castle instead of their usual residence at this time of the year - Buckingham Palace. At Windsor Castle they are able to maintain a smaller staff and limit their exposure to others. At 94 and 99 respectively, their advancing years mean they are high risk for the virus and complications that can come with it.
The Queen and Prince Philip may choose to remain in Windsor Castle this Christmas. (AP/AAP)
Typically, the royal family gathers at Sandringham, a much larger residence that can accommodate them all but with a limit of three households for Christmas, this won't be necessary.
Her Majesty and Prince Philip may choose to remain at Windsor Castle and are free to invite Prince Charles and Camilla to join them, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their three children, but it remains to be seen if this happens.
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Prince Charles was diagnosed with coronavirus in March and Prince William later revealed he too had contracted the virus earlier this year. Both have since made full recoveries.
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Under the 'Christmas Bubble' rule the families could be with the Queen and Prince Philip for Christmas. (Getty)
To reduce the chance of exposing the Queen and Prince Philip to the potentially deadly virus the royals could undergo coronavirus testing ahead of the festive season as well as maintain social distance from each other with an outdoor celebration.
This is made more difficult with children who naturally want to hug and kiss their loved ones and Prince George, seven, Princess Charlotte, five, and Prince Louis, two, are sure to want to give their 'granny' and 'grandpa' hugs and kisses for Christmas.
Prince William tested positive for COVID-19 in April. (WireImage)
Alternatively, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge may choose to spend Christmas with the Middleton family at Berkshire.
The Yorks may choose to hold their own celebration, with Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson free to invite Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie over for a celebration with their spouses, Edoardo Mopelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank.
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbanks are expecting their first child. (Instagram @princesseugenie)
Eugenie, 30, is pregnant with her first child and may choose to celebrate Christmas with her husband only to ensure she isn't exposed to the virus. The couple are in the process of moving into Frogmore Cottage, having taken over the residence from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, although the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are still the owners of the residence, according to Buckingham Palace.
Then there is Princess Anne and the Tindalls to consider, however there is no way the Queen can accommodate all of her children on Christmas day this year, which could leave Princess Anne and Mike and Zara Tindall to host their own festive season with their families, including Zara's brother Mark and his children.
Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex have two children - Louise, 16, and James, 12, and may spend Christmas day with Sophie's family at their residence at Bagshot Park which is part of Great Windsor Park and a perfect location for a festive celebration.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will remain in their Montecito home in California in the United States with their son Archie for the festive season.
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