Queen Elizabeth II has been forced to cancel her involvement in vital royal duties because of the devastating impact of coronavirus on the nation. Her Majesty, who is staunchly religious, was due to attend a Maundy Thursday service and other key events in the Christian Holy Week during the Easter period. But she was forced to give up the duties this year, leaving her feeling frustrated, according to ITV Royal Editor Chris Ship.

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Commenting on ITV’s Royal Rota, Mr Ship claimed Queen Elizabeth II would be upset at having to cancel events that mean a lot to her.

He said: “We know that Maundy Thursday means a lot to her.

“In fact, the whole of Holy Week before Easter means a lot to her.

“And she was probably more than frustrated that she couldn’t complete the duties that she would normally complete in that period of time.

“Therefore she sent the Maundy money to the people who were due to get it from her in person.”

Royal expert Lizzie Robinson, joining Mr Ship, explained the Queen had sent the money to 188 recipients this year, 94 men and 94 women.

She said: “It is always sent to the number of people to match the monarch’s age.

“She will be 94 this year. So it is 94 men and 94 women.”

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The Queen has asked for her birthday celebrations to be scaled down this year as she does not believe it would be appropriate to have lavish festivities as the nation reels from the horror of coronavirus.

Her Majesty’s 94th birthday on Tuesday will not be marked by gun salutes in what is believed to be a first due to the national crisis.

A Buckingham Palace source said the Queen’s birthday will not be marked in any special way, adding that any calls with family will be kept private.

The source said: “There will be no gun salutes. Her Majesty was keen that no special measures were put in place to allow gun salutes as she did not feel it appropriate in the current circumstances.”

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Mr Ship confirmed the news in a tweet on Saturday, explaining it would be the first such request had been made in her 68-year reign.

He wrote: “The Queen has asked that there be no gun salutes to mark her birthday (94th) on Tuesday. This is the first time it has happened in her 68-year reign.”

He later added: “A Palace source adds: All of the changes are ‘in line with Her Majesty’s wishes.’

“It’s already been announced there will be no Trooping the Colour ceremony in June (the official birthday parade) and no plans for any ‘alternative marking of her official birthday.’”

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