The Queen is unlikely to return to Buckingham Palace this summer

The Queen is unlikely to return to Buckingham Palace until September, with the monarch predicted to spend the summer in Scotland. 

• The Queen's house may be reopening to visitors this month, but Her Majesty is unlikely to return to Buckingham Palace until autumn. 
• The Queen left Buckingham Palace at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic to isolate at her royal residence of Windsor Castle. 
• In other royal news, Meghan Markle's best friend is also expecting a baby girl - and their daughters are set to share a special bond.
  

Buckingham Palace may be reopening to visitors this month, but royal fans are unlikely to spot the Queen on their trip to her official residence. 

Her Majesty left the royal headquarters in London during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020 to isolate at Windsor Castle with Prince Philip and has not returned since. It is now expected she will spend her summer at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where she typically stays for several weeks during the sunny season. 

The Queen's absence may come as a disappointment to the public, but there's still plenty to see behind the gates of the world's most famous palace. From April 17, visitors will be welcome to explore its outdoor grounds without a tour guide and even picnic on its lawns – an activity that was previously forbidden. 

The Queen's backyard boasts plenty of gorgeous features, including wildflower meadows, plane trees planted by Queen Victoria, and a 3.5-acre lake buzzing with honeybees. There's also a 156-meter long herbaceous border circling the property that offers the perfect nature trail escape from London's busy streets. 

Royal fans will also be able to explore the indoors of Buckingham Palace from May 21. Tours of the State Rooms, used to host official royal engagements, will be run on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until June 20. An adult ticket costs £60 and will grant you access to the palace's Ballroom, Green Drawing Room, Throne Room, White Drawing Room, Music Room, Blue Drawing Room, East Gallery, and Bow Room.