Queen to return to work at Buckingham Palace in October after months away from London

The Queen is to return to work at Buckingham Palace in October after months away, it has been confirmed.

The monarch and Prince Philip left London on March 19, just days before the country entered coronavirus lockdown.

The 94-year-old paused official duties as she shielded from the Covid-19 pandemic.

But she and Philip, 99, are now planning to return to the capital where she will resume "selected audiences and engagements".

Announcing the plans on Tuesday, a Buckingham Palace spokesman said: "The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will depart Balmoral Castle during the week commencing September 14 to spend time privately on the Sandringham Estate.

"Subject to the finalisation of the autumn programme, Her Majesty's intention is to return to Windsor Castle in October and to resume the use of Buckingham Palace for selected Audiences and engagements.

"These plans will be kept under review and will of course be subject to all relevant guidance and advice."

The head of state and her husband arrived at Balmoral, in Aberdeenshire, for their summer break at the start of August.

Their arrival marked the first time the pair had travelled from Windsor since relocating from Buckingham Palace and the Sandringham Estate on March 19.

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Philip and the Queen pose proudly with Beatrice at her low key wedding