'No risks can be taken': Queen's staff make huge sacrifice during the pandemic

In an effort to protect the Queen and Prince Philip from the coronavirus outbreak, 22 staff members have reportedly agreed to remain quarantined at Windsor Castle, and not see their own families amid the pandemic.

The monarch, 94, and Philip, 98, are considered among the most vulnerable if they should catch the virus and so they have been in isolation at Windsor Castle since last month.

Staff agreed to remain in quarantine with the royals for the duration of the UK’s lockdown.

“They won't be seeing their families because no risks can be taken and they can't go in and out,” an insider told The Sun.

“The most important thing is to protect the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh from the virus.

“If something happened to them it doesn't bear thinking about."

According to the publication, a memo was sent to the staff by Master of the Household, Tony Johnstone-Burt.

As a former Royal Navy officer he likened the situation to a ‘long deployment at sea’, even calling it ‘HMS Bubble’.

“I'm sure that we shall emerge as a stronger, more considerate and more resilient Royal Household team as a result and able to do our duty for the Queen,” the memo reportedly read.

The Queen had already cancelled her royal engagements and travel plans prior to heading to Windsor Castle.

Princess Beatrice has been forced to cancel her royal wedding, which was set to take place in May.

While other members of the royal family have continued to do their duties to some extent, turning to virtual meetings.

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