An employee working at the Queen’s Scottish retreat was sent home on Saturday following a positive coronavirus PCR test. A Palace source said that the Queen saw her trip to Balmoral as a chance to “get back to normal” following the death of Prince Philip.

A Palace source speaking to The Sun said: “All the staff at Balmoral are tested for Covid daily and on Saturday this person showed up as positive.

“They were sent home and the staff canteen and bar were shut.

“They’re on a separate block on the estate.

“Workers have been told to wear masks and to socially distance but the royals themselves are pretty much carrying on as they were.”

The Palace source added: “Courtiers mooted the idea of staff putting the family’s meals on a buffet table with the royals then helping themselves.

“But the Queen has decided food will continue being served by servants.

“Also, the family will still go out shooting stag and having picnics on the estate.

“Although Her Majesty is 95 and has been double jabbed, the feeling is she still has to be careful yet she’s determined to carry on as normal.

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Royal sources revealed that she was “tired and grieving” and “could not wait” to get away.

The Queen will stay for August and September at Balmoral.

She is expected to be visited by several members of her family including Prince William and Kate and their children.

Also, Prince Charles and Camilla will spend part of their summer at his estate, called Birkhall.

Birkhall was the former home of the Queen Mother.