‘All these horrible new things’: Queen tells Porton Down professor that rising coronavirus infection rates ‘were expected really’ as she visits laboratory without mask
- The Queen and the Duke of Cambridge visited Porton Down laboratory today
- Her Majesty did not wear a mask, while others took Covid tests as a precaution
- Commenting on rising coronavirus cases, she said: ‘All these horrible new things’
The Queen has remarked that a rise in Covid-19 cases was ‘expected really,’ as she paid a royal visit to Porton Down laboratory without a face mask.
Her Majesty, joined by the Duke of Cambridge Prince William, visited the the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) at Porton Down near Salisbury today, where she met scientists who worked in the aftermath of the 2018 Novichok attack, and are supporting the UK’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak.
As she was introduced to experts at the facility, Queen Elizabeth was heard to say about coronavirus ‘It’s doubling itself again.’
Her Majesty The Queen arrived at Porton Down laboratory with the Duke of Cambridge today, where she was heard to remark that rising coronavirus levels were ‘expected’
Told it was on the rise and the approach was being evaluated, she added: ‘Well I suppose it was expected?’
Professor Tim Atkins, who co-ordinated Dstl’s Covid response, replied: ‘Predicted ma’am, yes.’
The Queen added: ‘With all these horrible new things…’
Prof Atkins responded: ‘Absolutely, it’s an emerging new disease.’
As Britain announced 18,980 more coronavirus cases, The Queen, 94, left her isolation bubble for the first time in seven months, without a mask
The 94-year-old shunned a mask for today’s visit, which was her first engagement since entering the so-called ‘HMS Bubble’, with commentators seeing it as a positive and uplifting message as swathes of the UK are plunged into tougher lockdown measures.
Heightened safety precautions were taken to protect the Queen, with all 48 people due to come into close contact with her and William tested for Covid-19 by Dstl beforehand and, while the testing process is still not foolproof, all came back negative.
It is the first time the Queen has ventured from a royal residence in seven months, outside of her household of reduced staff – dubbed HMS Bubble – to carry out her duties as head of state.
Today’s visit came as Britain recorded 18,980 more coronavirus cases and 138 deaths.
Figures from the Department of Health show daily infections have risen by eight per cent in a week, while 77 deaths were recorded this time last week.
The Duke of Cambridge also opted not to wear a mask during today’s visit to Porton Down, although he did arrive separately from the Queen
Although rising, the numbers are still a far cry from the darkest days of the first wave in the spring, when more than 100,000 Britons were catching the virus every day and at least 1,000 infected patients died daily.
During the visit this morning the royal pair were also introduced to staff involved in the rapid response to the Novichok poisoning attack in Salisbury in 2018.
Small groups of those taking part in the royal visit were also arranged two metres apart for social distancing.
The Queen arrived at today’s engagement by helicopter, while the Duke of Cambridge arrived by car
The pair arrived separately, with the Queen flying to the site in a helicopter, while the Duke of Cambridge arrived by car.
The choice by British royals not to wear face coverings comes in sharp contrast to the decision made by many of the European monarchs including Queen Letizia and King Felipe, and Queen Mathilde.
The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge have however been seen sporting vibrant face masks during recent outings.