The coronavirus pandemic (open in new tab) has put millions of people around the world on pause.

The 94-year-old queen is currently under house arrest at Windsor Castle (open in new tab) as a precautionary measure and will remain so at least until this fall, which according to The Sun (open in new tab) will be the longest she has been away from official duties in her 68-year reign.

Experts say that the Queen's official leave may continue beyond the fall, and that she may even be forced to leave permanently due to the continuing risk of exposure to the coronavirus.

"It is very sad, but I don't think the queen will be able to resume her usual work," royal biographer Andrew Morton told The Sun (opens in new tab). 'The Covid-19 virus is not going away any time soon and will last for months, if not years. It would be too dangerous for the Queen to start seeing people on a regular basis."

"The Covid-19 virus is a very serious virus," Morton said, "and it is not likely to disappear anytime soon.

Of course, anyone familiar with the Queen's murderous work ethic (open in new tab) knows how destructive this would be for her.

"She always liked to go out and meet people, but you can't take risks," Morton added. If she were infected, it would be fatal and put Prince Philip at risk."

Morton says the pandemic could prompt the queen (open in new tab) to hand over day-to-day responsibilities of the royal family to her eldest son, Prince Charles.

"Prince Charles himself is of course over 70 years old, but he has been infected with the virus and is probably immune now," Morton explained, adding that he believes the queen still plays a public role, even if it is in a virtual capacity. 'We will have a zoom monarchy and the queen will be Her Majesty on screen.'

In many ways, Morton noted, the changes necessitated by the coronavirus (open in new tab) will mean a return to the traditional way the royal family interacts with the public.

"The touchy-feely way of doing things created by Princess Diana has been stopped in its tracks."

"We will return to the days of white gloves and distance that make the royal family more distant.

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