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The Queen, 94, who is living under lockdown at Windsor Castle, reportedly wants to return to frontline duties as soon as possible. But in her absence other royals including Sophie, 55, and Prince Edward, 56, will step up as part of a plan by aides called the Royal Task Force.

Prince William, 37, and Kate, 38, will also play a key role.

And the Queen is said to be in constant contact with Prince Charles, 71, and William.

A royal source told the Mirror: “There is going to be a lot more interaction between the family members while the crisis is ongoing.

“Her Majesty has given instructions that, after a turbulent period for the family last year, now is the time to heal and have a united front and get back to the basics of what the monarchy is for – her sole belief is that it goes back to the basics of duty.”

Sophie has been busy during the pandemic including opening an NHS Nightingale Hospital and volunteer work.

A royal source added: “She is one of the nicest people you could ever meet.

“She’s incredibly hard working, no nonsense and she really cares about people and the causes she works on.

“The public has seen that as well and through the crisis she has been seen more and more.

“That can only be a good thing for everyone involved.”

The news comes after reports emerged saying the Queen could withdraw from public life for months due to the outbreak.

A royal source told the Sunday Times: “I don’t think we’ll see her again for a while.

“Nobody will risk it, particularly with the threat of a second spike later in the year.”

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And royal expert Andrew Morton warned the Queen may never return to frontline duties.

He told The Sun: “It’s terribly sad but I can’t see how the Queen can resume her usual job.

“The COVID-19 virus isn’t going away soon and will be with us for months, if not years.

“It would be far too risky for the Queen to start meeting people on a regular basis.

“She has always loved getting out and meeting people but she can’t take the risk.

“How can she carry out investitures, meet ambassadors, do walkabouts and visit places without meeting people at close range?

“If she gets the bug, it could be fatal and would put Prince Philip at risk.

“Prince Charles is, of course, over 70 himself but he has had the virus and probably has immunity now.”

The Queen is staying at Windsor Castle with a reduced household during the coronavirus lockdown.

She has already been at her Berkshire residence with Prince Philip, 98, for around eight weeks.

She is still holding a weekly audience with the Prime Minister by phone and receiving her daily red boxes of Government papers.

A spokeswoman for Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen continues to be busy and will follow appropriate advice on engagements.”

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