The Queen is reportedly 'furious' after Royal Household staff refused to stay in a coronavirus bubble at Sandringham over Christmas, according to a royal source. Around 20 employees, including cleaners, laundry and maintenance workers, were asked to isolate from their families for four weeks to protect the 94-year-old monarch during the festive period.
The staff mutiny could force the Queen to spend Christmas at Windsor Castle for the first time in 33 years. A royal source told The Sun: 'The Queen is furious. The staff said enough is enough. It is absolutely unprecedented.' The source added that while staff want to remain loyal, they feel pushed too far by being made to isolate from their families at Christmas.
Palace officials are now creating a special 'bubble' between Sandringham and Windsor, allowing the Queen to travel between the two with the same team. The Queen typically spends her winter break at Sandringham, travelling up after the Christmas party at Buckingham Palace. She and Prince Philip recently cut short their stay at Balmoral to spend time at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate.
A royal spokesman said the Queen intends to carry out a reduced schedule of audiences and engagements at Buckingham Palace in the run-up to Christmas. However, she may face tough decisions about guest numbers if the 'Rule of Six' restrictions remain in place. The situation remains under discussion, with no final decision on Christmas plans.
