The Queen, whose festive plans appear to be in the air
It was suggested that Queen Elizabeth II was looking forward to the festive season just weeks ago.
After she had pulled out of several major engagements, her health concerns were raised and she spent the night in hospital.
With just over a week until Christmas Day, her plans for Christmas are in chaos due to spiralling Covid rates across the country.
While the monarch was considering whether she would hold her pre-Christmas family get-together next Tuesday, she decided to cancel it because coronavirus cases are getting worse.
The Queen has cancelled her annual preChristmas lunch with extended family
After Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty appeared to be at odds over whether to reduce socializing in the lead-up to Christmas Day, Her Majesty's decision is now official
She is understood to still be committed to Sandringham hosting her immediate family for Christmas. However, this too seems to be in doubt.
Does this mean that the Queen will have a lonely Christmas?
Annullation of the party
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Tuesday's party was axed after more than 78,000 Covid cases rose - the largest daily increase in the pandemic.
According to some, Her Majesty did not want to risk the party which has at times seen as many as 70 people attending.
According to a senior palace source, "The family lunch for pre-Christmas will not take place."
"The precautionary decision is made because it is believed that it would put too many peoples Christmas plans at risk if it goes ahead.
"While it is disappointing that the event was cancelled, it is still a good idea for everyone."
Christmas in balance
Sandringham is where the Queen spends Christmas.
Her actual Christmas plans to spend it in Sandringham, England with her family, are still in place.
The gathering will be attended by Prince Charles, Prince Harry, the Duchess and Duchess Of Cornwall, and the Duke and Duchess and their children George and Charlotte.
These plans might need to be altered due to the rapid-changing Covid situation.
Sources have confirmed that the Queen will seek advice from her advisers in the coming days about whether it is safe for a large family gathering.
If Christmas plans are abandoned, it will be the second consecutive Christmas without the traditional celebration.
The monarch and Prince Philip spent Christmas last year at Windsor Castle together, as household mixing was prohibited.
First Christmas season without Prince Philip
This year marks the Queen's first Christmas away from Philip, her husband of 99 years, in April.
It is believed that the monarch would feel great comfort if she could have her family close by.
According to a source, the Queen told everyone last month that she felt much better and was looking forward to welcoming them home for Christmas.
"This will be Her Majesty's first reunion with her extended family, just like many families after being separated for so long because of the coronavirus pandemic."
It remains to be seen if she is able to welcome her family as she intended.
