We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

The Queen opened the doors to her home in Berkshire as she joined a conference call with representatives from the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, as well as the Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter. The monarch took the call sitting down on a wooden chair in a room royal fans had never seen her before. 

Behind her, on both her right and left side, there were two dressers, one of which was decorated with golden patterns.

The decorated dresser also presented a plant and a few decorative items on it.

The Queen appeared to be sitting below an enormous painting, which is possible to see part of the golden wooden frame.

The monarch, who wore a beautiful blue dress decorated with a peacock’s leaves pattern and accessorised with a pearl brooch, took part in the conference call to mark Armed Forces Day. 

Thanking the Armed Forces for the role they have been playing during the coronavirus pandemic, the Queen said during the call: “Everybody’s been extremely busy with the pandemic and doing a wonderful job.”

Among the people taking part in the video chat with the Queen there was also Lance Corporal Shanwayne Stephens of the Queen’s Colour Squadron – who is also a member of the Jamaican bobsleigh team.

As he revealed he has been keeping himself fit during the lockdown by pushing his car up and down the street, the Queen laughed.  

Joking, she said: “Well I suppose that’s one way to train.”

After the video chat with the monarch, Lance Corporal Stephens, based at RAF Northolt, spoke about how at ease the monarch made him feel.

He said: “It was a bit strange, I’ve been in close proximity with the Queen 

on quite a few occasions but never actually had a face-to-face conversation with her – well, screen-to-screen.

“She just said it had been a hard time and it was nice to keep in contact with everybody.

“She seemed very relaxed and in fact she made me feel a bit more relaxed when she came on. She was really smiley.”

The Queen celebrated the work of the Armed Forces also by releasing a statement on behalf of herself and the Duke of Edinburgh. 

The statement read: “The Duke of Edinburgh and I join many around the United Kingdom in celebrating Armed Forces Day, and the efforts of our military both at home and overseas.

“Today provides an opportunity for thanks and a recognition of the dedication and risks faced by those serving our nation.

“We also have cause to thank veterans, who continue to contribute to our way of life, long after they leave the Armed Forces.

“Having had members of my family serve in each of the Armed Services, I know only too well of the pride Service personnel take in their duty. 

“As your Commander-in-Chief, I send my warmest best wishes to you all, your families, and the entire Armed Forces community.”

The Queen has been self-isolating at Windsor Castle since March 19 and hasn’t carried out a face-to-face engagement in months.

Investiture ceremonies planned for June and July have been pushed back due to the risks link of face-to-face contacts.

However, the monarch will make an exception on Friday when she will give Captain Tom Moore a knighthood at Windsor Castle.     

Source: Read Full Article