Prince Charles and Camilla visit Exeter Cathedral without face masks

19 July 2021, 12:57 | Updated: 19 July 2021, 13:00

Royals arrive at Exeter Cathedral with no masks on

By Emma Soteriou

Prince Charles and Camilla visited Exeter Cathedral on Monday, going maskless for the first time since lockdown eased.

It comes as England enters step four of its roadmap out of lockdown, meaning there is no longer a legal requirement to wear face coverings or socially distance.

The couple did not shake hands with anyone to maintain caution.

As patron of the Exeter Cathedral Development Appeal, Prince Charles visited with the Duchess of Cornwall to learn more about the building's restoration.

The pair are also set to meet community groups on their trip, including the Devon Wildlife Trust, Exeter City Community Trust and the Met Office.

Their visit celebrates the city's designation as a Unesco City of Literature, as well as marking the launch of the Royal College of Nursing's Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme in England.

Read more: July 19 'Freedom Day': Everything you need to know - explained

Read more: 'Freedom Day': Most lockdown restrictions lift in England

Charles and Camilla greeted visitors outside the cathedral.
Charles and Camilla greeted visitors outside the cathedral. Picture: PA

Despite face coverings no longer being required by law, the government has said it "expects and recommends" that people wear them in crowded areas.

A study by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that two-thirds of adults still intend to wear masks in shops after England's unlocking on 19 July.

The same percentage - 64 per cent - planned on wearing masks on public transport, while 60 per cent planned on avoiding crowded places completely.

Around nine in 10 adults also believed continuing to wear face coverings was important in helping slow down the spread of the virus, an ONS weekly lifestyle survey found.

Boris Johnson previously confirmed that it would be down to the public "to make their own informed decisions about how to manage the virus" from 'Freedom Day' on 19 July.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Proud Boys claim they will go to voting places as Trump repeats election fraud lies.

Proud Boys making plans to mobilise as Trump repeats election fraud lies

File photo of a real NHS dentist

Desperate Brits fall for scam 'fake NHS dentists' amid years-long waits for appointments

The Kremlin is suspected of plotting the attack

'Parcel bombs' that blew up in warehouse were 'rehearsal' for Russian explosion attack on flight to US

Keir Starmer is not set to ban smoking in pub gardens, contrary to earlier reports

Cigarettes will not be banned in pub gardens under new Labour plan create 'smoke-free generation'

Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Reading, Pennsylvania

Trump threatens Mexico with 100% tariffs unless it cracks down on border crossings

Bridget Phillipson told Tonight with Andrew Marr that the fee hike was necessary to secure the future of universities.

‘Universities must reform’ says education secretary after first hike in tuition fees in 8 years

Two more cases of a new strain of mpox have been detected in the UK, officials say

Two more cases of new mpox strain detected in UK

Anya Taylor-Joy and her musician husband were the victims of a terrifying robbery

Anya Taylor-Joy and musician husband victims of burglary at London mansion

Exclusive
Nigel Farage speaking to LBC's Nick Ferrari about new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch

'The Remainers are back in town': Nigel Farage says Kemi Badenoch will bring 'no change whatsoever' to Tories

Amy Dowden

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden will not return to show this year following 'medical emergency'

Scott Paterson murdered his landlady Annette Smith

Tenant murdered and dismembered elderly landlady before posing as her by sending Christmas cards to family

Robert Jenrick, Priti Patel and Mel Stride will all serve in Kemi Badenoch's Shadow Cabinet

Kemi Badenoch names former leadership rivals Robert Jenrick and Priti Patel to Tory Shadow Cabinet team

Bridget Phillipson has confirmed the tuition fee rise

University tuition fees to rise for first time in eight years, as Tories accuse Labour of 'declaring war on students'

Sara Sharif had suffered dozens of injuries in the weeks leading up to her death, a court has heard

Video of Sara Sharif smiling and dancing 'days before murder' shown to court

Transport for London (TfL) has warned passengers that no Tube services are expected on Thursday 7 November

November Tube strikes to bring London to a halt this week despite RMT calling off action

Stuart Gogg during the Six Nations rugby match between France and Scotland in Saint-Denis, 26 February 2023

Former Scotland rugby captain pleads guilty to domestic abuse over five-year period against former partner