Queen Elizabeth cancels all events at Palace amid reports Meghan Markle, Prince Harry plan to visit royal family on Christmas

Queen Elizabeth II has cancelled all major events at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle for rest of the year 2020 amid coronavirus pandemic.

The Palace said in a statement, “In line with current government guidelines, and as a sensible precaution in the current circumstances, there will be no large scale events held at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle for the rest of this year.

A variety of possibilities were examined to see if it was possible for Investitures to safely take place in line with the guidelines. Sadly, due to the large numbers of guests and recipients attending, it was not possible to find a way of safely delivering these events in the current circumstances. Recipients will be contacted directly.

The Queen’s intention remains to return to Windsor Castle in October and to resume the use of Buckingham Palace during an Autumn programme of Audiences and engagements, in line with all relevant guidance and advice.”

The Palace announcement came days after reports that Duke of Sussex Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle were considering to visit the UK before Christmas.