Royal Family Pays Tribute to Key Workers and Volunteers

The senior members of the Royal Family have been seen in public en masse for the first time since before the Covid-19 crisis took hold in March.

The Duchess of Cambridge and her husband Prince William wrapped up their tour across Britain aboard the Royal Train with a visit to the Queen at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.

They were joined by Her Majesty, Prince Charles, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex and Prince Anne as they paid tribute to key workers, care staff and volunteers who helped the vulnerable in the community close to the castle.

The Queen, who wore a vibrant red coat, matching hat and black gloves and carrying her trademark Launer handbag, could not hide her joy when she met her family members again.

The 94-year-old monarch was all smiles while chatting to her family.

As a Salvation Army band played festive tunes for the Queen and her family gathered around her, the head of state could be seen quietly singing along.

The appearance of the Royals with the Christmas tree lit with lights nearby added to the atmosphere.

As the evening came to a close and the Queen began to move up the steps into the warmth of the castle, Prince Edward and his wife, Countess of Wessex, walked towards the Queen to have something to do with her.

From behind, the couple, Prince William and wife Catherine, slowly made their way to the monarch before stepping out onto the path, at which point the Duke gently called out Bye Gran.

At the same time, Catherine was seen making a quick but perfect curtsy to the Queen.

The monarch turned and smiled at the couple, nodding to them, before she moved on to speak with Sophie and Edward.

During their Royal tour of the UK, Prince William and his wife admitted that they were still struggling over their Christmas plans.

The Duke and Duchess told students in Cardiff yesterday that they didn't know who to spend the festive season with.

“It's so difficult we are still trying to make plans,” William said.

“It's difficult to know what to do for the best.”

The couple's comments come days after a Royal expert claimed the Queen wants her children and grandchildren to enjoy Christmas with their other loved ones and not feel torn as she prepares for a quiet festive season at Windsor.

Royal correspondent Katie Nicoll reported, “The Queen has said that this is the year for her family to enjoy Christmases with other family members and not to feel torn as they often do when a Royal Christmas takes priority.”

It means the couple face spending Christmas Day without any of their four children.

The Queen and Prince Philip traditionally spend the festive season with close friends at Sandringham in Norfolk.

But it was announced last week that this year they will forgo the festivities and remain at Windsor Castle, where they have been isolating with a bubble of staff since October.

It is currently unknown when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will see the Queen again after the traditional Royal Christmas was cancelled.

Prince William and Catherine are most likely to spend Christmas at Anmer Hall, Norfolk or with the Duchess' parents, Carol and Michael Middleton, in Berkshire.