The Queen's Christmas Celebrations Are Still Going Ahead Amid COVID Case Surge
That includes Christmas lunch at Windsor at celebrations at Sandringham.
![The Royal Family Attend Church On Christmas Day](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Qdk4oBKvvgRX6H7dzsNAw3-415-80.jpg)
The Queen has no plans to cancel her Christmas celebrations for the moment, as COVID cases (including Omicron) surge in the U.K. She and Prince Philip spent their last Christmas together quietly at Windsor Castle as restrictions took hold in the country, and the monarch is hoping to spend her first Christmas without her husband with her family this year.
First comes Christmas lunch on Dec. 21, which is traditionally held at Buckingham Palace, but has been moved to Windsor Castle this year as the Queen has been advised to take it a bit easier following health concerns. The monarch will be expecting some 50 guests for this event.
"It is Windsor Castle so it will be pretty easy to socially distance if needed," a source tells The Sun. "There is no way the Queen wants to let anything get in the way of a family event like this.
"Particularly with the year she has had after losing her husband and being forced to go on light duties on doctor’s orders.
"It will likely be the first time so many family members have been together since Philip’s funeral.
"But obviously everyone must act responsibly and things can change in a short period of time but as it stands they’re all set for Tuesday."
Then come the annual celebrations at Sandringham, which are a major event for the royal family. "Currently it is going ahead but obviously it will be under review right up until the last moment," a source tells The Sun.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
A source told the Mirror in November that the Queen was "totally committed" to hosting her beloved Sandringham Christmas, and it sounds like things haven't changed for the time being. Kate Middleton and Prince William will obviously be in attendance, but Meghan Markle and Prince Harry won't be joining as far as we know. With COVID numbers going up, it's likely that travel would have been complicated for them anyway, to say the least.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Our Complete Quiet Luxury Shopping Guide
30 quality closet classics that always have—and always will—endure.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Kaia Gerber and Cindy Crawford Medal in Mother-Daughter Olympic Matching
The pair touched down in Paris wearing coordinating navy looks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Prince Harry Reveals Royal Family Rift Was Worsened by Tabloids
"Yeah, that’s certainly a central piece to it."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Royals, Paul McCartney, Nicola Coughlan, Salma Hayek... Was Taylor Swift's London Eras Tour Her Most Star-Studded Yet?
Imagine all the people........
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Kate Middleton Confirms She Will Attend Trooping the Colour in a Heartfelt Update on Her Cancer Treatment
"I am making good progress."
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
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 Published