Queen continues ‘light duties’ at Windsor Castle after catching Covid
The Queen is continuing with her head of state duties from her Covid isolation in Windsor Castle.
The 95-year-old monarch sent a message of condolence to the Brazilian president yesterday – but she will be free from quarantine from Thursday.
It comes after the Prime Minister announced an end to the legal requirement to isolate after a positive test.
Boris Johnson sent the Queen a get well soon message in the Commons, saying: ‘I know the whole House will join me in sending our best wishes to Her Majesty the Queen for a full and swift recovery.’
He said her diagnosis is ‘a reminder that this virus has not gone away’.
Those with Covid will still be advised to stay at home for at least five days, but will not be obliged to under law as part of the ‘living with Covid’ plans.
The Queen sent her message to Brazil after the devastating flooding in the city of Petropolis, where dozens have died in mudslides.
She wrote: ‘I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life and destruction caused by the terrible floods in Brazil.
‘My thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost their lives, loved ones and homes, as well as the emergency services and all those working to support the recovery efforts.’
Her Majesty is expected to hold a telephone audience with Mr Johnson and continue conducting virtual audiences this week.
Concerns for the nation’s longest reigning sovereign have been heightened given her age and recent health scares.
But the Palace said she will be carrying on with light duties.
The Queen holds an audience with Mr Johnson most Wednesdays, either in person or by telephone, and has recently been holding one or two diplomatic audiences a week with ambassadors by video link.
She will also be working from her red boxes, sent to her every day and containing policy papers, Foreign Office telegrams, letters and other state papers from Government ministers and Commonwealth representatives that have to be read and, where necessary, approved and signed.
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