Prince William to step up and act as 'placeholder' for Queen amid coronavirus pandemic
PRINCE WILLIAM could step up and act as "placeholder" for the Queen amid the coronavirus pandemic, a royal expert said.
Coronavirus: Prince William appeals for emergency fundraising
Prince William may be required to show his abilities as future King earlier than expected if both the Queen and Prince Charles are forced to self-isolate to protect themselves from coronavirus, royal experts agree. Following the Government's announcement that over-70 will likely be asked to self-isolate for 12 weeks in the near future, the monarch and the Prince of Wales, respectively 93 and 71, could not be seen in public for as long as four months.
As the Crown needs to be a "physical presence", one member of the Royal Family needs to replace them if they are to remain in their royal households for weeks, one royal author added.
The Duke of Cambridge, being young, in good health and the third-in-line to the throne, would be the perfect candidate to do so, Nigel Hawthorne, author of Call Me Diana, revealed.
He told the MailOnline's Femail: "It is entirely sensible for Prince William to act as placeholder for the Queen.
"There has to be a physical presence to the monarchy, not just a virtual one.
"He's third-in-line to the throne and in robust health like his brother, and COVID-19 is unlikely to be any serious threat for him or his wife or children. He will do a great job."
Similarly, royal commentator Robert Jobson said it would be a "natural thing to happen" for the Duke of Cambridge to step up and fill the Queen and Charles's shoes.
These expert's opinions came as one source claimed Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William "want to help" as the country and the Crown are facing incredible difficulties.
READ MORE: Meghan Markle BLANKED by Kate and Prince William in 'frosty reception'
They told Vanity Fair: “At a time like this, the royal family is very important in providing stability and support to a worried nation.
“The Cambridges are not in the vulnerable sector and they want to help.
"Their aides are going through the latest Government advice but it’s fair to say the focus of their work will shift.
"Supporting the community and vulnerable people in society is more important right now."
While Her Majesty may not be seen in public for a few weeks, she has no intention to stop working.
The Queen was seen leaving Buckingham Palace earlier today, after she carried out several private audiences yesterday.
The monarch travelled to Windsor Castle, where she was joined by the Duke of Edinburgh, one week earlier than planned.
While in Berkshire, the monarch will continue to receive the Government's daily red boxes, and is set to carry out her weekly meetings with the Prime Minister over the phone.
The decision to change the Queen's plans comes after London became the city worst-hit by the pandemic.
As of 9am on 18 March 2020, the Government said 56,221 people have been tested in the UK, of which 53,595 were confirmed negative and 2,626 were confirmed positive.
The death toll has been rising day by day, with as many as 103 patients dying after being tested positive for coronavirus in the UK.