Queen Elizabeth II, 93, left London a week earlier than on planned on March 19 and set off for Windsor Castle. Her Easter break at Windsor was pushed forward amid the coronavirus pandemic which has peaked in the capital.

Prince Philip, 98, retired from public life in 2017 and has spent most of his time in Norfolk on Wood Farm since.

However, amid the national crisis posed by coronavirus COVID-19 the Duke of Edinburgh was helicoptered down from Sandringham to join his wife at Windsor.

On Thursday they were reunited for the first time since the Queen’s winter break at Sandringham.

They are understood to have not seen each other since the Queen returned to London at the start of February.

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How long will Philip and the Queen stay at Windsor?

Both Philip and the Queen are in their 90s and their age puts them at high risk from coronavirus.

The Duke of Edinburgh is also understood to have an underlying health condition which he was treated for in London before Christmas.

The royal couple are likely to do everything within their power to keep themselves safe amid the current outbreak.

The Government has advised anyone over 70 or with an underlying health condition to self-isolate for 12 weeks from this weekend.

While the Queen may continue to work from the safety of her Windsor residence she is unlikely to return to London any time soon.

Nor is the Duke likely to travel back to Sandringham until the pandemic is over.

They are both likely to wait out the coming weeks and months at Windsor until those at risk are told by officials they are safe to re-enter the outside world.

The Queen issued a heartfelt statement to the nation via her Buckingham Palace press office on Thursday.

Her message urged Britons to unite during the difficult times ahead.

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The Queen’s statement read: “As Philip and I arrive at Windsor today, we know that many individuals and families across the United Kingdom, and around the world, are entering a period of great concern and uncertainty.

“We are all being advised to change our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of the communities we live in and, in particular, to protect the most vulnerable within them.

“At times such as these, I am reminded that our nation’s history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one, concentrating our combined efforts with a focus on the common goal.

“We are enormously thankful for the expertise and commitment of our scientists, medical practitioners and emergency and public services; but now more than any time in our recent past, we all have a vitally important part to play as individuals – today and in the coming days, weeks and months.”

The statement continued: “Many of us will need to find new ways of staying in touch with each other and making sure that loved ones are safe.

“I am certain we are up to that challenge.

“You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part.”

While the Queen’s statement will have satisfied some fans keen to hear from her during the current crisis, many still hope she will address the nation in person.

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