On Oct. 15, the Queen made her first public royal engagement outside of her royal residences since the coronavirus pandemic began. She was accompanied by her grandson, Prince William! Her Majesty and the duke visited the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) at Porton Down Science Park near Salisbury.
Her Majesty and the Duke of Cambridge opened the Energetics Analysis Centre. While there, they learned about counterintelligence tactics. They also enjoyed a demonstration of a Forensic Explosives Investigation and met staff employed in Counter Terrorism and Security.
The Queen and William formally opened the Energetics Analysis Centre. Photo: © Ben Stansall - WPA Pool/Getty Images
The monarch and her grandson also met with staff who were involved in the Salisbury Novichok incident, and heard how they were fighting COVID-19 by increasing NHS testing capabilities and researching the novel coronavirus.
The 94-year-old and William likely enjoyed the demonstration of a Forensic Explosives Investigation with explosives detection dog named Max given they are both dog lovers! Photo: © Ben Stansall - WPA Pool/Getty Images
According to HELLO! UK, those who participated in the engagement were all tested for COVID-19 before coming in close contact with the Royal Family. Other necessary precautions were also taken.
The monarch looked regal in a pink coat and hat and her signature black accessories. Photo: © Ben Stansall - WPA Pool/Getty Images
The Queen looked marvellous in a beautiful rose pink coat and hat. She re-wore her Stewart Parvin cashmere coat, which features asymmetrical double-breasted buttons. Her Majesty paired it with a coordinating silk dress and hat by Rachel Trevor Morgan.
MORE: Barack Obama throws his support behind Prince William's Earthshot Prize
She accessorized with her signature black loafers, black gloves and her trusty Launer London handbag. The monarch also wore her cherished multistrand pearl necklace, pearl earrings and her Andrew Grima gold, carved ruby and diamond brooch. Prince Philip gave the Queen the latter piece in 1966.
Queen Elizabeth II and one of her beloved dorgis left Buckingham Palace in London for Windsor Castle on March 19, 2020 to socially distance during the coronavirus pandemic. Photo: © Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty Images
The engagement was a meaningful one because it marked the first time royals fans have seen Her Majesty reunite publicly with William since the pandemic began. She and Philip been isolating at Windsor Castle in the first few months of the lockdown. The couple reportedly went to Balmoral for their traditional summer holiday in Scotland, and other members of the Royal Family, including the Cambridges, were said to have been present during the private time, but they still kept a social distance.
The 94-year-old's first engagement out of lockdown took place at Windsor Castle on July 17 for a very special investiture ceremony to knight Captain Tom Moore, the 100-year-old war veteran who raised the equivalent of more than $54 million for NHS Charities by walking 100 laps of his garden before his milestone birthday in April.
Her Majesty knighted Captain Tom Moore with the insignia of Knight Bachelor on July 17, 2020 at Windsor Castle after he raised over £32 million for the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic. Photo: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Tom's knighthood ceremony came after Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi's surprise royal wedding on the same day. The couple married privately at All Saints Chapel in Windsor Great Park. Wedding photos from the beautiful ceremony captured the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh beaming at the couple from a distance.
In this challenging time, it’s really hard to be separated from family and friends. It’s also a time when everyone needs a beautiful escape. Here at Hello! Canada, we’re still busy creating the magazine you know and love, to spread positivity and provide some entertainment as a gentle reprieve from all the hard news. And with our new special offer for subscribers, there’s never been a better time to have Hello! delivered directly to your front door. Why not treat yourself, or someone you love, today?
