Up until yesterday, the Queen was looking forward to hosting some 50 members of her family at Windsor Castle on Dec. 21 for her annual Christmas lunch.
However, with more than 78,000 new cases of COVID-19 reported in the U.K. on Dec. 15, the monarch has made the decision to cancel the event "with regret" as a "precaution." Royal sources told the Daily Mail, "there is a belief that it is the right thing to do for all concerned."
Hours before the cancelation was confirmed, royal expert Camilla Tominey said she didn't think the Queen would call the lunch off completely. "We thought the Queen was going to have a Christmas party for the extended family in Windsor on Tuesday, we think that's still going ahead," she explained on ITV's This Morning (via the Daily Mail).
"Then she's going to go to Sandringham for the traditional celebrations in Norfolk. But apparently now they're wavering, like we all are," Tominey added. "Maybe it's going to be about the guests and if people don't feel comfortable coming, that makes the decision for you."
As of Dec. 14, the Queen was holding firm on her plans for the lunch to go ahead. "It is Windsor Castle so it will be pretty easy to socially distance if needed," a source told The Sun. "There is no way the Queen wants to let anything get in the way of a family event like this."
The Christmas lunch was also canceled last year, when the Queen and Prince Philip spent a low-key last Christmas together at Windsor. This is the monarch's first Christmas without her late husband, who passed away in April.
The royal family is also still scheduled to celebrate Christmas at Sandringham, but those plans remain up in the air as the COVID situation evolves.
-
Netflix Is Adapting One of #BookTok's Favorite Romances—Here's What We Know About Ana Huang's 'Twisted Love' TV SeriesCould this be the next 'Bridgerton' or 'Tell Me Lies?'
-
'American Primeval' Is Bound to Be Your First Netflix Obsession of 2025—Here's What to Know About the CastTaylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin led the gritty miniseries about a family's trek across the American West in 1857.
-
Katie Holmes Taps Every Fashion Editor's Favorite Unexpected Color ComboTry this insider styling trick ASAP.
-
Princess Kate Isn't Always "Well Enough" for Royal Duties, but She's Learning to "Pace" Herself"She is looking after herself and is wise to do so," a family friend shared.
-
Why Prince Andrew Has Been Reported to the Police Over a Fake Name and Business VentureGet ready to meet the royal's alter ego, "Andrew Inverness."
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Daughter Lilibet Has Already Entered Her "Princess Phase"The Sussexes are very "down-to-earth" parents, according to a family friend.
-
Prince William Views This Royal Family Member as a "Brother" and Someone He Can "Always Rely On""There's no doubt Wills sees him as the brother he lost."
-
Why the Royal Family's Annual Income Is Increasing by $56 Million in 2025The royals will receive a whopping $165 million, which critics have called "scandalous."
-
Former Prisoner Recalls Life-Changing Meeting With "Amazing" Princess Kate: "Saw Me as an Equal"Francesca Fattore shared the "one thing that surprised" her about the Princess of Wales in a new interview.
-
Why Princess Margaret's Husband Was Called "Spectacularly Rude and Uncooperative" by a TV PresenterLord Snowdon didn't endear himself to one particular interviewer.
-
Queen Elizabeth Found the Presence of Her "True Favorite" Royal Family Member Incredibly "Soothing""The Queen found her very down to earth, because she refused to have expensive security...and she loved her lack of airs and graces."
