Queen likely to wear a mask when she attends church during stay at Balmoral

Every British monarch since Queen Victoria has worshipped at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral Castle in Scotland

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Queen Elizabeth II is likely to wear a face covering when she attends church during her stay in Scotland.

It was recently announced that the monarch and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh would be relocating from Windsor Castle to Balmoral Castle for their annual summer break.

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said that the couple plan on moving to their Scottish residence in early August, adding that “all arrangements will be in line with the relevant guidelines and advice” amid the coronavirus pandemic.

While staying at Balmoral Castle, the Queen traditionally attends church at Crathie Kirk, a small Church of Scotland parish church located near the estate.

Every British monarch has attended services at the church since Queen Victoria in the mid-1800s.

On the website for the Church of Scotland, it outlines the guidance that church-goers are expected to follow when attending services.

It states that from 15 July, the government in Scotland gave permission for places of worship, including churches, “to reopen for communal worship, subject to ensuring that a risk assessment is completed and that when they open physical distancing and good hand hygiene is observed”.

The Church of Scotland is also “encouraging” everyone who enters church buildings “to wear a face covering”, in addition to providing their name and contact details so as to take part in NHS Scotland’s Test and Protect System.

The Queen has not been spotted wearing a face covering in public throughout the Covid-19 outbreak.

Singing is currently not allowed in the churches, and congregations are limited to a maximum of 50 attendees, “although many churches will only be able to admit fewer individuals safely”, it adds.

The Church of England also states that the wearing of face coverings is advised when attending services “where there may be other people present”.

While the Queen holds the title of head of the Church of England, as monarch she has sworn to maintain the Church of Scotland as well.

As the monarch is not “Supreme Governor” of the Church of Scotland, when she attends church services in Scotland, she does so “as an ordinary member”, it states on the royal family’s website.