Queen's first Christmas as a widow may be celebrated alone as Omicron cases surge and plans are possibly canceled

The Queen will potentially have to spend her first Christmas as a widow without her extended family for support at cases of the omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus surge in the UK.

• The Queen's Christmas plans with the royal family may be thrown into jeopardy.
• Her Majesty planned to see some of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren but this plan may be canceled due to the pandemic.
• In other royal news, Lady Louise—Wessex Christmas card sparks concern for the young royal 

Her Majesty became a widow earlier this year when her husband of more than 70 years, Prince Philip died at the age of 99 in April. This means that this festive season will be the first Christmas celebrated by Her Majesty without the Duke of Edinburgh.

The huge surge in Omicron cases has meant that the Queen has canceled her Christmas lunch with the royal family. This annual Christmas get-together was reportedly due to take place on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at Windsor Castle, ahead of the family's smaller festive celebration on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at Sandringham House.

It is now being questioned whether the Queen will be able to host a larger celebration at Sandringham for the extended royal family as new regulations concerning Christmas festivities are expected to be introduced.

If new restrictions are enforced, Her Majesty may be forced to spend her first Christmas as a widow on her own. This is a huge blow for The Queen who has already made many sacrifices during the pandemic, including sitting alone at her husband's funeral without the comfort of her family.

Despite rumors, the Queen has ‘secretly returned’ to London following her bout of ill-health and is now rumored to be staying at her Buckingham Palace home.

Her Majesty plans to fly by helicopter to Norfolk on Wednesday, December 22, but a source has suggested that her plans for travel may change depending on government restrictions.

A source told The Mirror, “The Queen and the rest of the family are mindful the situation is ever-changing and many thousands of families may also be affected."

“A decision on whether the Queen travels as planned will be made as soon as possible."

"If alternative arrangements need to be made, right up to the last minute as per government advice, Her Majesty will lead from the front.”

The Queen missed the Sunday church service ahead of Christmas plans in an effort to reduce the risk of catching COVID-19. 

If her Christmas plans are indeed allowed to take place, she will be in a good position to stay virus-free as she sets the example for the rest of the country about following guidelines and remaining safe during the pandemic.