Queen Elizabeth left Buckingham Palace in London on Thursday for Windsor Castle – an early move prompted by the rapid spread of coronavirus in the capital.
Windsor Castle is one of the 93-year-old’s favourite royal residences. The monarch, who regularly spends her weekends at the lavish estate, generally spends a month there over the Easter break but has moved up her plans, meaning she’ll have 13 acres of land to social distance in.
In the past, Queen Elizabeth has hosted a number of ‘dine and sleeps’ at Windsor Castle for notable guests such as state leaders.
The Queen is occasionally seen driving around the grounds in one of her Range Rovers and Windsor Castle is where she has been spotted out riding, even at the age of 93.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said, “Her Majesty will move to Windsor Castle for the Easter period on Thursday 19th March, one week earlier than planned. It is likely the Queen will stay there beyond the Easter period.”
Surrounded by lush 210,000 square metre grounds – which include a pine tree forest, horse stables, ponds as well as fruit and vegetable gardens – part of the home is usually open to the public.
However, from Saturday, Windsor Castle will be closed off to visitors.
