Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip have left London for Windsor Castle to self-isolate while coronavirus continues to sweep the country. The 93 year old monarch was seen leaving Buckingham Palace in a car earlier today, sporting a navy gilet over a bright blue jumper. One of her two corgis was spotted sitting next to her as she left to go into quarantine. It is thought that she, her husband and corgis will all stay there until after the Easter period, when hopefully it will be safer to venture out. Prince Philip, who was recently hospitalised due to a "pre-existing condition", is said to have since been helicoptered from Wood Farm in Sandringham to join his wife. Before leaving the capital, The Queen met with Commodore Steven Moorhouse, who is stepping down as Commanding Officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth in private. The pair were joined by Steven's replacement, Captain Angus Essenhigh, who is to take on the role imminently. It is reported that no handshakes took place during the brief meeting, with the officers bowing to Her Majesty when she entered the room. Buckingham Palace announced on Tuesday 17 March that it had cancelled several events to prevent the spreading of the contagious virus as well as protect the monarch. The statement explained: "As a sensible precaution and for practical reasons in the current circumstances, a number of changes are being made to The Queen's diary. "Her Majesty will move to Windsor Castle for the Easter period on Thursday 19th March, one week earlier than planned. "It is likely The Queen will stay there beyond the Easter period." As well as Glastonbury festival and the Eurovision Song Contest, a number of Royal events have also been cancelled or postponed for the rest of the year. The Queen was due to make public appearances in Cheshire and Camden later this month, but these have both been postponed, as well as Prince Charles' and Camilla's visit to Cyprus and Jordan. All royal garden parties and the Maundry Service at St George's Chapel in Windsor have been cancelled, with a decision yet to be made on Trooping The Colour, the 75th anniversary of VE Day. It is also unclear whether Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's state visit from Japan will go ahead.The Queen, Prince Philip and their dogs flee London to self-isolate as coronavirus rages on
(Image: Tim Clarke)
(Image: Tim Clarke)
(Image: Frank Augstein/ POOL/AFP)
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