The Duchess of Cornwall led the way for the royal family as she donned a face mask while visiting the National Gallery in London today.
Members of the British royal family, including Prince Charles, 71, and Camilla, 72, have not been wearing masks while venturing out on royal engagements in the last few weeks.
The decision not to wear masks on public engagements may come as a surprise to some because the royal couple would be more ‘at risk’ than younger members of the royal family such as the Cambridges or the Wessexes.
But today Camilla opted for a pretty face covering, which featured a bold peacock print, as she stepped out in the capital for the visit to the gallery in Trafalgar Square.
The Duchess of Cornwall, 72, stepped out in a face mask for the first time as she arrived at the National Gallery in London today
The Duchess opted for a stunning mask printed with a bold turquoise and gold peacock desin for the occasion
The royal appeared to be extra vigilant with the cover up today, opting to choose the mask in the street as she made her way to the National Gallery.
The Duchess donned the pretty mask with a bold and bright peacock print, adding a pop of gold to her simple blue tunic dress.
Her blonde bob was styled in an impeccable blow-dry, and she sported a sweep of mascara to accentuate her eyes.
The royal is expected to meet staff involved in the organisation’s Covid-19 response and reopening process during her visit today.
It marked the first time that the Duchess has been seen in a face mask during the coronavirus pandemic
The royal appeared relaxed as she walked through the London streets to the recently reopened National Gallery
The number of visitors to the gallery has been reduced so that social distancing can be maintained during visits.
Meanwhile visitors are also encouraged to wear face coverings, for safety and the safety of other visitors and staff, although it is not mandatory.
Today marked the first occasion Camilla, who returned to in-person engagements last month, has been seen in a mask.
Prince Charles and Camilla have undertaken a host of public engagements over the past week as they travelled to Cornwall for their annual trip.
The Duchess opted to match her bold and bright face mask with a pretty blue dress for the occasion
While the couple maintained social distancing at each engagement, neither the Prince of Wales or the Duchess opted to wear face coverings during the appearances, despite both falling into the ‘at risk’ age bracket.
Ahead of her trip to the dukedom, the Duchess also met with the Chelsea Pensioners at the Royal Hospital Chelsea last week.
Many of the pensioners wore a form of face coverings for the royal occasion, while Camilla opted not to wear a mask for the visit.
The decision by the British royal family not to wear masks during public engagements has been in stark contrast to the attitude undertaken by their European counterparts.
Prince Charles and Camilla had opted not to wear face coverings during royal engagements over the last few weeks
Queen Letizia and King Felipe have frequently worn medical masks during recent engagements, as they tour Spain to help support economic, social and cultural activity after the outbreak.
Their children Princess Leonor, 14, and Princess Sofia, 12, who have joined them for a host of occasions, have also been seen donning the coverings.
And they’re not the only royals to have opted to wear masks during royal visits.
Despite being in the ‘at risk’ age category, the Duchess of Cornwall has yet to wear a face covering in public (pictured, at the Royal Hospital Chelsea)
Queen Mathilde, who is known for her love of bright colours and vibrant outfits, has been experimenting with face masks during her past few weeks of engagements.
The Belgium royal has often co-ordinated her mask with her colourful dresses for royal occasions, including while visiting a residential care center ‘La Maison de Mariemont this week.
The Queen, along with husband King Philippe of Belgium, and their children Princess Elisabeth of Belgium and Prince Gabriel of Belgium each donned masks while attending the National Parade in the front of the Royal palace.
During Camilla’s recent visit to meet with Chelsea Pensioners, many could be seen wearing face coverings
It comes as the UK government toughened its stance on the wearing of face coverings in public places.
Passengers have had to use them on public transport since June 15 and they were made compulsory in shops and supermarkets in England on July 24.
Rule breakers will be hit with a £100 which can be reduced to £50 if paid within a fortnight.
Unlike the British royals, Queen Letizia and King Felipe has adopted a face mask on almost every public outing since the start of the outbreak (pictured, visiting the San Prudencio Foundation)
Meanwhile Queen Mathilde has taken to matching her outfits with her stylish face coverings, while her family have also been wearing masks (pictured, during the National Parade in the front of the Royal palace this week)