THE Queen will make a decision over her Christmas celebrations in the next 48 hours as Covid rates surge in the UK. 

Her Majesty may have to cancel or change her plans if the Government imposes tougher restrictions to stop the spread of the Omicron variant. 

It is understood that she is currently awaiting advice from her senior aides who are in regular contact with Number 10 officials. 

The monarch, 95, is keen to celebrate her festive season as traditionally as possible, with all of her family at Sandringham in Norfolk. 

Her majesty has suffered from bouts of illness recently, and is planning to fly to the estate on Wednesday by helicopter rather than train. 

A source told the Mirror: “The Queen and the rest of the family are mindful the situation is ever changing and many thousands of families may also be affected.

“A decision on whether the Queen travels as planned will be made as soon as possible.

"If alternative arrangements need to be made, right up to the last minute as per government advice, Her Majesty will lead from the front.”

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The Queen may also cancel her traditional Christmas Day walkabout over fears it could become an Omicron super-spreader.

She cancelled her usual Sunday devotions at Windsor Castle yesterday in an attempt to scupper her beloved family day.

Her Majesty has already called off her festive family party as Covid rips through the UK.

Thousands of royal watchers normally gather to greet members of the Firm during their annual December 25 stroll, with some queueing from the early hours of the morning to catch a glimpse of the royal clan.

But aides have reportedly advised the monarch to close the gates to her private grounds to curb coronavirus transmission.

The Sandringham estate in Norfolk may not be closed altogether, but sources claim staff "fully expect" the famous footpath will be fenced off.

It was also called off last year when daily infections were also on the rise and the UK entered lockdown.

The Queen had been due to host The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, among 50 or so other members of the Royal Family, at Windsor Castle on December 21.

There was due to be wine, crackers and a feast inside the castle – before the monarch set off for Sandringham for the big day itself.

LIGHT DUTIES

Tuesday's party had been moved from Buckingham Palace to Windsor where the Queen remains on “light duties” after health scares.

Officials are looking into plans that may mean the Queen and the rest of the Royals could spend Christmas at Windsor Castle. 

Last year she and her late husband Prince Phillip, who died age 99 in April, were forced to spend the festive period alone because of the pandemic. 

Buckingham Palace say that her plans are still under discussion.

The Queen has already cancelled a Christmas party at Windsor Castle for her extended family due to Covid concerns.

In her Christmas broadcast, Her Majesty is expected to herald the indomitable spirit of the British people.

The source added: “The Queen believes we are all in this together and we should all abide by the public health guidelines to keep each other safe.”

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