Prince Williamis supporting his grandmotherQueen Elizabethon a day of outings in Scotland.
The prince joined the Queen, 95, who is undertaking a week of royal duties in Scotland for the first time since the death ofPrince Philip, her husband of 73 years, in April.
William, 39, and the Queen started Monday at an iconic soda maker’s factory in Cumbernauld, near Glasgow. A. G. Barr create the famous Scottish soda Irn Bru, which is said to contain 32 different ingredients in its secret recipe.
Queen Elizabeth.ANDREW MILLIGAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
ANDREW MILLIGAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
The Queen officially opened the new facility, and she and William — who is titled the Earl of Strathearn in Scotland — were given a rundown on the history of the company and met employees to learn about the 140-year-old company’s place in local community life. Before jointly signing the visitor’s book, they were shown some of the company’s other brands, including Rubicon fruit and juice drinks and Strathmore Still Spring Water.
Prince William and Queen Elizabeth.Samir Hussein - Pool/WireImage
Afterward, the royals met local volunteers and first responders to thank them for their efforts during the pandemic.
During her week in Scotland, spanning from Edinburgh to Glasgow and Stirling this Monday through Thursday, the Queen is “celebrating Scottish community, innovation and history,” according to the palace.
Queen Elizabeth.Samir Hussein - Pool/WireImage
Usually she hosts a garden party during Holyrood Week or Royal Week, but that has been ruled out because of the coronavirus pandemic. In line with government guidelines, the Queen did not travel to Scotland for Royal Week in 2020 or host large-scale events, such as investitures, normally hosted at the Palace.
Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images
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As preparations for the visit continued over the weekend, the palace issued several social media posts emphasizing Elizabeth’s strong bonds with Scotland.
But through her range of in-person visits over four days, the monarch will “recognize the good work and contribution of individuals and communities.”
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But that doesn’t mean that the Queen is ceding any control to the next generations of royals, historian Robert Lacey told PEOPLE recently: “There is no consideration given to her slowing down. She is still clearly in charge.”
source: people.com
