Queen back to shaking hands at royal audience
The monarch did not use the greeting earlier in the week.
The Queen went back to shaking hands again at a Buckingham Palace audience.
The monarch avoided her traditional greeting when welcoming the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to her residence on Tuesday.
But on Wednesday, she met with Professor Mark Compton, Lord Prior of the Order of St John, and was pictured shaking his hand without gloves.
England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, has said the death rate for people infected with coronavirus is “significantly ramped up” among those over the age of 80.
The Queen, dressed in a striking magenta and red dress, smiled broadly as greeted the professor in her customary way for an audience.
Ms Sirisena handed over her credentials, which the Queen received, and Dr Talpahewa bowed to the head of state from a distance as he was introduced.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson was told not to shake hands with dignitaries including the Queen at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on Monday over coronavirus fears.
Guests at the Commonwealth Service, the last appearance by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as senior royals, adopted a range of greetings to get around the handshake ban.
The Prince of Wales opted for a namaste, while Harry bumped elbows with musician Craig David, and Meghan decided to hug the 7 Days singer.
On March 3, the Queen opted to wear long white gloves as she carried out an investiture at Buckingham Palace.
It was believed to have been the first time the monarch had done so at a palace investiture.
It now delivers first aid, healthcare and support services around the world, including at the Queen’s palace garden parties.
The head of state, who is the Sovereign Head of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, was presented with the Order’s first ever Service Medal in Gold.
