The Queen will take her annual summer holiday to Balmoral when lockdown restrictions on over-70s are lifted
THE Queen will end her lockdown in style — by taking a summer holiday.
She and Prince Philip are expected to fly by helicopter to Highlands retreat Balmoral, where they may stay for up to three months.
The Queen, 94, and Duke, 99, have spent 15 weeks shielding at Windsor Castle.
Royal sources say they will leave around August 1, when Covid restrictions on the over-70s will be lifted and the castle can reopen to tourists.
One insider said: “Preparations are well under way.
“Everything will be checked and double-checked to ensure there is no risk.
"But it has also helped planning that Scotland has been free of coronavirus deaths for almost a week now.”
The Queen went to Windsor Castle from Sandringham on March 19 for a planned extended Easter break.
When lockdown came a ring of protection dubbed “HMS Bubble” was placed around her.
Two teams of 12 staff have been working three-week shifts.
Meanwhile Prince Charles and Camilla spent most of lockdown at Birkhall, on the 50,000-acre Balmoral estate, but left earlier last month.
The Queen has spent a 12-week break at Balmoral every summer of her 68-year reign.
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She normally stays at seven-bedroom Craigowan Lodge for a couple of weeks before moving into the castle after it is closed to tourists in early August.
But Balmoral has been shut during lockdown, allowing her to move immediately into the main house.
She usually attends Highland games at Braemar, but they have been cancelled.
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