The Queen is leaving Buckingham Palace for good and will now permanently “work from home” at Windsor Castle, where she lived with Prince Philip until his death.
- It is believed that the Queen has not stayed at Buckingham Palace since 2020.
- It is understood that the 95-year-old woman will now make Windsor Castle her permanent home.
- Her central London residence is undergoing renovations that will last until 2027.
- Instead, she will “work from home” and fulfill future obligations from the home in Berkshire where she lived with Prince Philip until his death last April.
- The decision comes ahead of a four-day national holiday in June to mark her platinum anniversary.
Last night it became known that the Queen decided to make Windsor Castle her permanent home and main residence.
It is understood that the 95-year-old monarchy will never fully return to Buckingham Palace, where it is believed not to have spent a single night since March 2020.
Instead, she prefers more “work from home” to events and is expected to meet dignitaries and officials at her home in Berkshire.
Courtiers are also believed to be keen to cut back on the Queen’s travels after she admitted she was feeling weak, joking “As you can see, I can’t move” during a recent meeting with the two defense ministers.
The Queen spent most of her time at Windsor with Prince Philip until his death last April. Sources say the couple “rediscovered the happiness of their first years together” even though they were cared for by only a small staff.
The Queen has decided to make Windsor Castle her permanent home and main residence as she prefers to work from home. Pictured: Her Majesty during a virtual audience for the reception of the High Commissioner of Malawi.
Instead, she prefers more “work from home” to events and is expected to meet dignitaries and officials at her home in Berkshire.
Her decision may have been influenced by ongoing renovations at her residence in central London, where renovations or work is underway that will last until 2027.
This means that Buckingham Palace will next be occupied by Prince Charles and Camilla when they become king and queen consort after the queen’s death.
Royal writer Hugo Vickers told The Sunday Times: “Windsor is the place she loves. There she has memories of Prince Philip, her pony and family are there. It makes sense.’
Windsor also brings the monarch closer to two of her four children.
Her decision may have been influenced by ongoing renovations to her central London residence, which is undergoing renovations or work that will last until 2027.
Andrew, Duke of York lives at Row Lodge on Windsor Manor. Prince Edwards and his wife Sophie Wessex are 10 miles from Bagshot Park.
Prince Charles, the Duke of Cambridge and the Princess Royal also regularly visit the Queen at Windsor.
It is also believed that the Queen is now meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson on a weekly basis by phone rather than in person, as has been the case for much of the pandemic.
The Queen has found solace in her work since Prince Philip’s death, but last October she was forced to put her work on hold on the advice of a doctor.
The Palace was forced to confirm that she spent the night in the hospital after undergoing unspecified tests – and since then, her appearances have become less frequent.
And two weeks ago, she was forced to call off several engagements after contracting the coronavirus and suffering from “mild cold” symptoms.
The Queen spent most of her quarantine at Windsor with Prince Philip until his death last April. Sources say the couple “rediscovered the happiness of their first years together” even though they were cared for by only a small staff.
The Queen’s next scheduled event outside Windsor Castle is a Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 14, her first official event outside the royal residence in five months.
She is also expected to attend Prince Philip’s thanksgiving service at the abbey on March 29, along with other members of the royal family.
There is also the question of a four-day period of national celebrations in June to mark her platinum anniversary, with events including a platinum party at the palace and a thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
A royal aide told The Times that the queen would “want to take part” in the festivities.
Prior to that, her schedule had been drastically reduced.
Meanwhile, her eldest son and heir, Charles, remains in London at his official residence, Clarence House.
Although he is known to prefer a 200-year-old royal residence within walking distance of the mall, the Prince of Wales is said to have “recognized” that Buckingham Palace should remain the monarchy’s official residence when he ascends the throne.
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