Queen Elizabeth II may be largely confined to Windsor Castle, but palace sources insist the reigning monarch isn’t lonely.
The 95-year-old lost her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, in April – just short of his 100th birthday. Several close friends have also passed away in recent months.
In the latest issue of PEOPLE Royals, out on Friday, a source revealed that the queen has an intimate “bubble” of people that she’s closely connected to.
“The queen can go from being magisterial to chatty with those she trusts,” said the royal source. “She has good judgment once she trusts people – and once she does, it is very easy.”
QUEEN ELIZABETH, DESPITE ROYAL FAMILY DRAMA AND HEALTH WOES, ‘CAN CARRY ON FOR SOME TIME’, SOURCE SAYS
Sources have said Queen Elizabeth II will be with the rest of the royal family during the holidays.
(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
According to the outlet, Elizabeth began having friends over in Windsor during the summer for lunches and dinners. They also enjoyed watching TV late into the evening. Lady Susan Hussey, Lady Annabel Whitehead, Lady Elizabeth Leeming, Prince Charles’s former nanny Mabel Anderson and Susan Rhodes are all reported to be part of the queen’s inner circle.
The source also shared that Elizabeth is rarely alone and is often accompanied by close aide Angela Kelly and footman Paul Whybrew. Palace staffers also work tirelessly to ensure the palace is “a cheerful place” for the queen.
In addition, she receives regular visits from her son Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex as the couple lives a short drive away. Her youngest son Prince Andrew also lives nearby and reportedly makes frequent visits.
“Those who are in [the bubble] cherish their place,” the source told the outlet. “They are a support for the queen and someone that they can have a laugh with and she can talk about the issues of the day.”
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In this Aug. 1951 file photo,…
Source : foxnews
