Royals at Easter — worlds apart
At Frogmore (near Sussexes’ former home) beaming Queen and Charles stroll past the daffs...
LIKE families across the country, the Windsors have been making the most of the fine spring weather to see their nearest and dearest.
And this charming new image of the Queen and Prince Charles shows how much even a socially-distanced walk can mean in these still difficult times.
The pair were snapped together as they took part in a private engagement at Frogmore on the monarch’s Windsor estate, details of which will be released in the next few weeks.
Mother and son appeared so happy and relaxed that when staff asked if they might pose for a handful of spur- of-the-moment pictures, they agreed.
The Queen, who turns 95 later this month, looked radiant. Wearing one of her famed headscarves with a green, full-length raincoat and black rubber boots, she smiled and laughed, with her gloved hands in her pockets.
The Prince of Wales, 72, was more formally dressed in a favourite brown overcoat, shirt, tie and brogues, but looked equally delighted to be spending time with his beloved mother.
Behind them are the cherry trees, in full blossom, and daffodils that Frogmore House (as opposed to Frogmore Cottage, the Windsor home of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex) is so famed for at this time of year, as well as a small stone bridge over one of the estate’s ornamental lakes.
Frogmore – which is low-lying and marshy and derives its name from the preponderance of frog it attracts – was the setting for a family picture alongside Philip, Anne, Andrew and Edward taken in 1968.
While the latest picture was captured on a whim, it serves to provide a happy contrast to events of recent months.
Both the Queen and Charles have been deeply saddened by the acrimonious departure of Harry and Meghan as working royals and their subsequent emigration to California. And as a doting grandmother and father they were also personally wounded by the bitter and highly damaging allegations that have since been thrown at them – and other Royal Family members – by the couple.
Last month, in their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, the Sussexes accused the Royal Family of outright racism and failing to
support Meghan as she suffered a serious mental health crisis.
The Queen made clear that while deeply concerning, the family did not accept all of the accusations (‘recollections may vary’, she said) but stressed they wished to try to build bridges privately as a family.
And however upsetting it has been, the crisis has brought mother and son even closer together, united at having to put their personal feelings to one side in order to act in unison as The Firm’s ‘CEOs’. The Daily Mail understands they have not only spoken but also met regularly in recent months, with Charles a frequent visitor to Windsor where his mother has been isolating since last spring with Prince Philip, 99, in line with Government coronavirus regulations.
A source said: ‘Although unplanned, this picture offers an insight into a family that is still together, happy and united after a difficult few months.’