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How The Royals Have Been Affected by COVID-19

Canceled engagement, strict new protocols, and self-isolation.

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As coronavirus continues, some of the world’s oldest institutions are taking precautionary measures alongside fellow country citizens in a bid to stop the pandemic’s spread.

Royal families from across the globe have enforced their own strict measures to contain and protect its members from the virus — an apt reminder of the seriousness of the pandemic.

In the latest of royal updates, Queen Elizabeth herself has been forced to suspend some of her upcoming planned engagements, with the Palace confirming her visits to Cheshire and Camden will be rescheduled as a “sensible precaution and for practical reasons in the current circumstances.”

But she’s certainly not the only royal to be affected by the pandemic that’s uprooted thousands of people while the virus continues to spread. 

From Crown Princess Mary’s children to the Spanish King and Queen’s urgent medical check — we take a look at exactly how COVID-19 is impacting members of the royal family across the world.

The British Royal Family

Alongside Queen Elizabeth’s rescheduled engagements, it has become quite apparent that the British institution is taking serious precautions as the world experiences the effects of COVID-19.

And at 93, Queen Elizabeth can’t take any risks when it comes to the killer virus, which is impacting the elderly community and those with pre-existing medical conditions the most.

Last week, royal watchers were intrigued to see the Queen suddenly with gloves during her regular investiture ceremonies.

As she awards recipients, the Queen usually shakes hands and pins the honors to their chests.

Now, Her Majesty has taken to wearing white gloves (which still look appropriately regal, of course) as she interacts with awardees.

Prince Charles has also made clear another strict measure that strays far from the usual royal protocol.

While we’re well accustomed to seeing many regal handshakes occur between the royals and various guests at events, it appears the Palace has enacted a “no-handshake” rule, which coincides with suggested guidelines from the World Health Organization.

The Royals have taken this advice on board but we couldn’t help but crack a grin while witnessing Prince Charles come to terms with not using the gesture he’s frequented for many years.

As he attended the Prince’s Trust Awards in London earlier in March, the 71-year-old was seen exiting a car and by nature reaching out to shake the hand of a waiting guest.

But upon lifting his arm, he quickly realized his mistake and morphed the gesture into a namaste greeting. Smooth!

As for Kate Middleton and Prince William, despite technically being on the clock, the pair have no formal scheduled engagements for the foreseeable future.

While Kensington Palace has yet to confirm the feat, we’re assuming the pair are being kept away from large public gatherings for the time being.

Given they have three young children to also think about, we’re glad to know the family is undoubtedly keeping a low profile in a private location together during this time of uncertainty.

The Danish Royal Family

Last week, it was confirmed Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik’s four young children would return back to Denmark despite currently studying abroad in Switzerland.

In a statement released by the Danish royal household, the family confirmed: “In light of the worsening situation in Denmark in connection with the handling of the spread of COVID-19, the Crown Prince couple has decided that the family will leave home from Switzerland.”

The Palace reiterated: “The Crown Prince couple finds it natural to return home and stand with the Danes in a time that requires a lot of everyone and where there is a shared responsibility for looking after each other.”

The Spanish Royal Family

Headed by Queen Letizia and King Felipe, the Spanish royal family are also taking extreme measures to ensure the safety of themselves, and others.

The couple recently underwent a test to see if they themselves had the virus – a necessary precaution after Letizia met with a minister who had tested positive.

It was later confirmed that the royal couple had tested negative for the virus.

As the country begins to go into a lock-down, following in the footsteps of Italy, it is expected the pair and their two daughters Leonor, 14, and Sofía, 12 will remain in some form of isolation in the coming weeks.

The Monaco Royal Family

In a historic move, the annual Bal de la Rose charity event, which has run for a whopping 66 years, has been postponed for 2020 in light of the pandemic.

The event was originally scheduled to take place on March 21 but will be moved to a later date this year, pending confirmation.

This marks only the second time is has been postponed, with a single similar occurrence in 1991, during the Gulf War.

The Swedish Royal Family

As the pandemic swept Europe, the Swedish royal family quickly took measures to protect its members and others.

Several key engagements this month have already been canceled, including an official dinner attended by King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia which was meant to take place on March 4.

 It was also later revealed that Princess Estelle, aged eight, was forced to study from home when one of her fellow students tested positive for the virus.

The Netherlands Royal Family

Much like the Swedish royal family, the Dutch royal family in The Netherlands has also been forced to reschedule or cancel a number of upcoming engagements. 

Led by Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander, the pair have seen a number of their pre-planned public appearances be suspended.

Events included the opening of a museum exhibition and an appearance at the National Teachers’ Day for Trade Education. 

As per an official statement, the Amsterdam Palace has also been closed to the public until at least March 31.

This article originally appeared on our sister site, Now to Love

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