The Queen Joins WFH Culture, Participates In Zoom Call About Mars

The event was to help celebrate British Science Week.

You’re On Mute, Your Majesty.

Turns out no one can escape the drudgery of video conferencing — not even if you’re the Queen of England.

Queen Elizabeth II took some time out of her busy schedule of corralling her corgis and overseeing the United Kingdom to join a Zoom call to discuss science, technology, and space travel, according to Harper's Bazaar.  The call was a part of an event to help celebrate British Science Week.

"The event celebrates the role played in society by science, technology, engineering and maths, and aims to inspire a new generation of British scientists," the British royal family’s official Instagram account stated. "Her Majesty was joined by space scientist Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocokc, Professor Caroline Smith @natural_history_museum and schoolchildren from Thomas jones Primary for the virtual showcase."

Check out highlights of the call below:

 

The Queen Reacts

Over the course of the call, the Queen was shown a variety of images from the Mars Perseverance rover along with fragments of meteorite that recently landed in the UK. She showcased her natural abilities as a YouTuber by reacting to each one.  

"It’s unbelievable really to think one can actually see the surface," the Queen said.

She also took some time to reminisce about meeting Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin saying, "He didn’t speak English… he was fascinating. And I suppose being the first one [to go to space] it was particularly fascinating."

10-Day Week

British Science Week is a bit of a misnomer. It actually lasts ten days spanning from March 5th to the 14th.  The event is organized by the British Science Association in the hopes of encouraging the public to participate in STEM activities like the one the Queen took part in.

"It’s been a very interesting morning," the English monarch stated at the end of the call. "Thank you very much indeed. And it’s wonderful work you’re all doing."

In any case, it was likely a needed respite for the Queen who is dealing with her husband in the hospital, a pandemic ravaging her nation, and the fallout of a particular Oprah interview.

READ MORE: The Queen Reacts to Photos of Mars Taken by NASA’s Perseverance Rover [Harper’s Bazaar] 

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