Royal family 'to step up and support Queen' says expert

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Queen Elizabeth II’s 95th birthday is expected to pass by quietly on Wednesday. While Royal Family members may share messages on social media to mark the important milestone, the usual fanfare surrounding royal birthdays will not be observed this year as the Windsors are still mourning Prince Philip.

According to royal insiders, the Queen is likely to celebrate her birthday with a small family gathering in the grounds of Windsor Castle on Wednesday.

Ongoing COVID-19 restrictions mean up to six people from separate households, or two whole households are able to meet outdoors.

The Government guidance states: “You can meet up outdoors with friends and family you do not live with, either: In a group of up to 6 from any number of households (children of all ages count towards the limit of 6).

“In a group of any size from up to two households (each household can include an existing support bubble, if eligible).”

The Queen is in a support bubble with a select member of staff at Windsor Castle where she has been based for the best part of the pandemic.

This means the Queen can either choose to mark her birthday with one other royal household or five separate Royal Family members.

Which royals are most likely to attend Queen’s birthday lunch?

Royal Family members have rallied around the Queen in recent weeks following the Duke’s death.

The royals most likely to attend the Queen’s lunch are as follows:

Prince Andrew + Princess Eugenie, Baby August

Sophie Countess of Wessex and Lady Louise Windsor

Prince Andrew, 61, is said to be the Queen’s favourite son and lives just up the road from Windsor Castle at the Royal Lodge.

Andrew is understood to be in a bubble with his daughter Princess Eugenie, her husband Jack Brooksbank and their baby boy August which means they count as one household.

Eugenie is currently also based in Windsor at the Sussexes UK residence Frogmore Cottage.

Sophie, Countess of Wessex is said to have been a vital source of comfort to the Queen following Philip’s death.

DON’T MISS

Queen’s birthday without Prince Philip to be ‘truly sad occasion’ [INSIGHT]
Lady Louise Windsor ‘mentored by mum Sophie for high-profile role’ [PICTURES]
3 birthday traditions Queen won’t observe following Philip’s death[VIDEO]

The Countess and her daughter Lady Louise Windsor were among the first royals to step out in public following the Duke’s passing.

Sophie and Lady Louise live at Bagshot Park in Surrey and could make the trip to Windsor to see the Queen on her birthday.

Sophie shared the Duke’s last moments after attending a church service in his honour two days after his death.

The Countess said:  “It was right for him.”

She added: “It was so gentle.

“It was just like somebody took him by the hand and off he went. Very, very peaceful and that’s all you want for somebody isn’t it?”

Lady Louise was close to her grandfather and shared his passion for carriage driving.

The Queen’s granddaughter is understood to have inherited Philip’s carriage and ponies.

Source: Read Full Article