© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II stepped out for her first public engagement since the coronavirus pandemic hit, but received criticism on social media for her decision not to wear a mask.
The 94-year-old monarch was joined by her grandson the Duke of Cambridge at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) near Salisbury to meet scientists providing vital support for those dealing with the pandemic. The world’s oldest monarch, who spent the national lockdown at Windsor Castle, has been carrying out her official duties online and the latest appearance was her first public engagement in seven months.
The Queen and Prince William were photographed maintaining distance from others but none of those at the event seemed to be wearing masks.
Soon, videos and photos of the royal family members garnered a lot of attention online, and a lot of criticism. Buckingham Palace said in a statement that the Queen decided not to wear a mask after consulting her own physicians and scientists at the research facility.
According to an iTV report, all 48 people who were due to come in close contact with members of the royal family were very recently tested for Covid-19 and had tested negative. Social distancing was also maintained throughout.
“The media were not allowed close to the visitors and wore face masks. The Queen also arrived by helicopter separately from William, who arrived by car,” Sky News reported.
However, many criticised them on social media for failing to set an example as the number of cases rise and fresh restrictions have been imposed in the UK.
https://twitter.com/racheeldohertyx/status/1316848442128433152
https://twitter.com/siobhan_debarra/status/1316790318034022400
https://twitter.com/daisyangelm/status/1316821787653607427
