For months, the Queen has been unable to carry out her duties as normal because of the threat of COVID-19. However, she has embraced working digitally, and declared in a recent virtual visit: Thank goodness for technology, so one can still do this.

The Queen took part in a video call with accounting firm KPMG last week to mark their 150th anniversary, hearing the stories of four employees from across the UK. She also listened to the staff choir perform a pre-recorded version of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," and described the singing as lovely. Dressed comfortably in a pale blue cardigan and white shirt, the Queen participated in the video call from Windsor Castle where she and Prince Philip are staying with selected staff and where they will spend Christmas.

It sounds as though its all going very well in spite of all the difficulties, the Queen said to the four staff members. It is difficult when people are used to being so close to each other, and everybodys been divided up so much. Well thank goodness for technology, so one can still do this.

Buckingham Palace

During the call, the Queen spoke to KPMG Partner John McCalla-Leacy, who was recently elected as KPMG UKs first black Board member and has spearheaded the firms work to improve inclusion and diversity. Per Buckingham Palace, John shared the firms commitment to diversity initiatives and their continued efforts to further inclusion in the accountancy profession. He also spoke about how, as a young athlete, he was supported by The Princes Trust and went on to become an international white-water canoe slalom competitor.

Maam, Id like to ask that you please pass on my sincere gratitude to HRH The Prince of Wales for The Princes Trust, John said. Receiving the support that I did and when I did changed my life and I will never forget it, nor will I cease in my efforts to work with my fellow partners and others to use my position of influence to support and encourage others.

The Queen replied: Ill indeed pass it on to my son, who is very proud of the idea of The Princes Trust, which I think has helped a lot of people. Also on the call were Bill Michael, the KPMGs UK Chair and Senior Partner, Jennifer Lee, KPMGs youngest Office Senior Partner, Cheryl Valentine, who joined KPMG as part of their Forces in the Firm military leavers program, and David McIntosh, who joined KPMG as an apprentice in 2017.

The video call was one of several that the Queen has carried out since making visits in person stopped being possible. She has also conducted audiences via video link, with the people she is greeting standing before a video screen in Buckingham Palace while she receives them on screen at Windsor. Buckingham Palace announced at the start of this month that the Queen and Philip will spend Christmas quietly at Windsor instead of making the traditional journey to Sandringham.

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Queen Elizabeth Says Thank Goodness For Technology as She Carries Out Another Virtual Visit - TownandCountrymag.com