Queen Elizabeth Postpones Diplomatic Reception Amid Ukraine Crisis

Queen Elizabeth has delayed a diplomatic event in response to the situation in Ukraine.

Buckingham Palace announced yesterday that the monarch has decided to postpone a diplomatic reception that was initially scheduled for March 2 at Windsor Castle. She and other members of the Royal Family were set to welcome over 500 members of the diplomatic corps for an annual meeting.

"The Queen has accepted the Foreign Secretary's advice that the Diplomatic Reception at Windsor on Wednesday 2nd March should be postponed," reads the statement.

The announcement comes a week after the monarch was diagnosed with COVID-19 and was said to be experiencing "mild cold-like symptoms." She has since undertaken light duties at Windsor Castle, opting out of virtual royal engagements last week, and is continuing her work at home according to an update last Wednesday.

Related article: Queen Elizabeth Tests Positive For COVID-19

The decision to postpone was made with the recommendation of the UK's Foreign Secretary in light of the situation in Ukraine and is unrelated to the Queen's health, Bazaar.com understands.

Several members of the Royal Family have recently spoken out on the situation between Russia and Ukraine, days after Russia began an invasion earlier this week, with forces moving from the north, east and south, according to the Ukrainian government.

On Friday, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle condemned Russian president Vladimir Putin in a message posted to their nonprofit Archewell’s website. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also urged world leaders to make their stance clear on the war between the two European nations, declaring that they "stand with the people of Ukraine."

"Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and all of us at Archewell stand with the people of Ukraine against this breach of international and humanitarian law and encourage the global community and its leaders to do the same," the statement read.

Related article: Prince Harry And Duchess Meghan Urge World Leaders To Support Ukraine

Prince William and Kate Middleton also shared their message of solidarity with Ukraine in a personal Tweet yesterday, signed with an emoji of the country's flag and their initials, "W & C."

"In October 2020 we had the privilege to meet President Zelenskyy and the First Lady to learn of their hope and optimism for Ukraine’s future. Today we stand with the President and all of Ukraine’s people as they bravely fight for that future 🇺🇦 W & C," the message read.

Related article: Prince William And Kate Middleton Share Support For People Of Ukraine

This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR US.