

Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to Marie Claire. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
- The coronavirus pandemic has forced the Queen to cancel or postpone her planned public appearances through the end of summer.
- Royal biographer and expert Andrew Morton thinks the ongoing dangers associated with the virus might necessitate a more permanent step back from public duties for the 94-year-old monarch.
- He predicts that Prince Charles, who has already had the coronavirus and may have immunity from future infection, will step up and take on a more active role in the royal family's day-to-day operations.
The coronavirus pandemic has put life on pause for millions of people around the world—including Queen Elizabeth II.
The 94-year-old monarch is currently in lockdown in Windsor Castle as a precautionary measure and plans to remain that way until at least this fall. According to The Sun, this will mark the Queen's longest break from public duties ever during her 68-year reign.
Experts think the Queen's absence from royal duties could extend well beyond the fall—and some even say the ongoing risk of exposure to the coronavirus could force her to step back permanently.
"It’s terribly sad but I can’t see how the Queen can resume her usual job," royal biographer Andrew Morton said, according to The Sun. "The Covid-19 virus isn’t going away soon and will be with us for months, if not years. It would be far too risky for the Queen to start meeting people on a regular basis."
Of course, anyone familiar with the Queen's killer work ethic knows how devastating this would be for her.
"She has always loved getting out and meeting people but she can’t take the risk," Morton added. "How can she carry out investitures, meet ambassadors, do walkabouts and visit places without meeting people at close range? If she gets the bug, it could be fatal and would put Prince Philip at risk."
Morton says the pandemic could prompt the Queen to pass day-to-day responsibility for the royal family to her oldest son, Prince Charles.
"Prince Charles is, of course, over 70 himself but he has had the virus and probably has immunity now," Morton explained, adding that he still sees the Queen as playing a public role, even if it's in a virtual capacity. "We will have a Zoom monarchy, she will be Her Majesty the screen."
In many ways, Morton notes, the changes necessitated by the coronavirus would actually mark a return to the royal family's more traditional way of interacting with the public.
"The touchy-feely way of doing things created by Princess Diana has been stopped in its tracks," he said. "We will be back to the days of white gloves and distancing, which makes the royals more remote."
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Princess Kate Is Absolutely Nailing the Business Casual Look This Week
Pantsuits everywhere!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
24 Hours With Naomi Osaka
The tennis star on her new beauty routine after welcoming her baby, easing back into tennis, and her self-care ritual.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Leighton Meester Just Went Full Blair Waldorf in Milan
And her dress is in stock!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Seen Skipping Happily With Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in Behind-the-Scenes Footage
This is too cute.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Blames 'Daily Mirror' Publishers for Chelsy Davy Breakup in Court Documents
The court case began this week.
By Iris Goldsztajn