The Queen's Speech Will Take Place In Mid-May, Traditional Ceremony 'Will Look Quite Different'
Despite the coronavirus pandemic still wreaking havoc across the world, the Queen's Speech will still take place in mid-May, the government announced on Monday, March 22.
"While we are still in the middle of a pandemic this Queen’s Speech will look quite different, but it is important we take forward our plans and deliver policies to improve the lives of people across the country through a new Parliamentary session," a spokesperson said. "We are working closely with Public Health England to ensure arrangements are COVID-secure."
The 94-year-old will head to the Houses of Parliament — where the government sets out its agenda for the next session of parliament — on May 11.
The next State Opening of Parliament will have social distancing measures in place, in addition to a reduced ceremony.
According to the Daily Express, "Downing Street said the upcoming Queen's Speech will focus on the Government's plans to build back better from the pandemic and level-up opportunities across the country."
The monarch has laid low amid the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, the last time she made a public appearance was in early December 2020, when she was photographed outside of Windsor Castle, listening to Christmas carols.
Since then, the Queen — who received the coronavirus vaccine in January alongside her husband, Prince Philip — has been engaging in several work obligations.
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Last week, The Royal Family Twitter account shared a video of the Queen with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, where they thanked people in the Royal Voluntary Service.
"I think it's wonderful work, and I do think thank everybody and all the others, too, who have been volunteering," the Queen shared. "It's been a great help over these very difficult years. Very nice to meet you all."
"Thank you to everybody who have been volunteering. It has been a great help over this difficult year.”
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 19, 2021
The Queen and The Duchess of Cornwall thank @RoyalVolService volunteers & everyone across the UK who has given up their time to support their communities through the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/fQWchiBBpO
One week prior, the Queen participated in a video call for British Science Week. "It's been very interesting to hear from you all. I hope the children have enjoyed it too – they might learn something from it as well! Thank you very much indeed. It's wonderful work you are all doing," she said.