Queen Elizabeth recently faced backlash for once again not wearing a face mask even though she’s at high risk for COVID-19.

This week, the queen met with Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Charles, Camilla, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and Sophie Countess of Wessex to discuss their plans for the festive season.

However, eagle-eyed critics immediately noticed that no one was wearing a face mask.

On Twitter, several people slammed the royal family for not leading by example. But they were especially hard on the queen because she’s at the highest risk because of her age.

One critic also slammed Prince William and Middleton for traveling around the United Kingdom via the Royal Train without their face masks at all times.

However, ITV News royal editor Chris Ship immediately came to the queen’s defense by saying that the meeting was held outside. And face masks are only compulsory when the gatherings are taking place indoors.

It is also important to note that the royal family practiced social distancing during their reunion.

The queen stood in the middle of the pack, while Prince Charles and Camilla stood on her right side. Prince William and Middleton stood on the queen’s left side and beside Prince Edward and Sophie.

Princess Anne stood beside Camilla and at the far end of the stage.

This isn’t the first time that the queen was slammed for not wearing a face mask in public.

Weeks ago, critics also questioned by she met up with other individuals without a mask. But a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace confirmed that the queen adhered to all the necessary precautions before making a public appearance.

Meanwhile, the queen and Prince Philip will, reportedly, be receiving the highly-anticipated COVID-19 vaccine in the coming weeks.

But even though they are considered high-risk, they won’t jump the queue just because they are royals.

According to USA Today, the vaccine will be distributed in phases to elderly people 80 years and older, frontline health workers, and caregivers.

On Tuesday, Margaret Keenan, 90, became the first recipient of the COVID-19 vaccine in the United Kingdom.

During her interview with the BBC, Keenan said that the vaccine is the best early birthday present that she could ever receive.

She also said that she’s grateful to have been chosen as the first person to receive the vaccine.

Her jab was administered by a Filipino nurse, May Parsons, who has been working with the NHS for 24 years.