The Queen is joined by Prince William in her first public appearance since March

A joint appearance from the Queen and Prince William has left royal fans furious after the duo flouted COVID-19 rules as pandemic numbers continue to spiral across the UK.

The Queen has made her first public appearance since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic began in March.

The 94-year-old monarch raised eyebrows as she stepped out maskless alongside her grandson Prince William in her first royal engagement in seven months.

The two senior royals visited the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory near Salisbury in England to meet with scientists who worked in the aftermath of the 2018 Novichok poisoning attacks, and are supporting Britain’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Queen made her first public appearance in seven months. Picture: Getty Images

While meeting with scientists at the facility, the Queen responded to surging coronavirus levels, saying they were “expected”, before adding the pandemic was “horrible”.

The two royals maintained strict social distancing, arriving separately by helicopter, but Buckingham Palace did confirm that their decision not to wear a mask was by choice rather than any related health issue.

Necessary precautions were also taken as all people in attendance were tested for coronavirus prior to meeting the Queen.

The Queen and Prince William adhered to social distancing but did not wear masks. Picture: /Getty Images

The 94-year-old was out in public for the first time since March. Picture: Getty Images

The Queen has not been out in public since March. Picture: Getty Images

The move was seen by some British commentators as a positive and uplifting message for Brits as parts of the embattled nation stare down the barrel of another lockdown.

But other observers weren’t so impressed with Finding Freedom royal author Omid Scobie and UK television personality Piers Morgan saying the Queen’s decisionnot to wear a mask, was a “worry” and “not a smart move”. Others have said the Queen should have set an example by wearing a mask.

The Queen was accompanied by Prince William. Picture: Getty Images

Royal watchers say that the Queen being out and about is a boost for the British public. Picture: Getty Images

It is the first time the Queen has left one of her homes in seven months to carry out her royal duties. Her various royal residences have a household of reduced staff, and have been coined “HMS Bubble”.

The choice by British royals not to wear face masks is different compared to the decision made by many of the European monarchs including Queen Letizia and King Felipe, and Queen Mathilde.

Prince Charles, Camilla, and Kate Middleton have, however, been seen sporting vibrant face masks during recent public appearances.

The Queen was back to work after seven months in lockdown. Picture: Getty Images

The Queen and Prince William flew in separate helicopters to the event. Picture: Getty Images

The Queen has been out of the public eye since March. Picture: Getty Images

Originally published as The Queen is joined by Prince William in her first public appearance since March