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The Queen has worn long white gloves to hand out honours at Buckingham Palace amid government calls for a hygiene crackdown.

The 93-year-old monarch usually bestows the awards bare-handed to carry out the fiddly task of fastening them to recipients’ clothing.

But photos of her wearing gloves stretching beyond the wrists at today's investiture ceremony have sparked speculation that she it taking extra precautions owing to the coronavirus outbreak.

A palace source said: “It is not unusual for the Queen to wear gloves on public engagements.”

However, it is understood to be the first time she has ever done so at an investiture ceremony since she began the practice in 1952.

Although she does occasionally wear a pair of gloves when carrying out official duties, they tend to be much shorter in arm length and tucked into the sleeve of her coat or jacket.

Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the reason behind today's wardrobe choice.

But a source told the Standard's royal correspondent Robert Jobson that Her Majesty was concerned about the spread of the Covid-19 virus and risks posed to the over 80s.

Each investiture, held in the palace ballroom, is attended by more than 60 people, receiving a range of accolades including MBEs, knighthoods and damehoods.

The Queen greets each recipient in turn on the low red dais and shakes their hand.

It comes as business and political leaders opt out of hand-shaking when greeting other officials or members of the public.

These do not include Boris Johnson, however, who told reporters on Tuesday he would continue the habitual practice.

He said: “I am shaking hands, I was at a hospital the other night where I think there were coronavirus patients and I was shaking hands with everybody you will be pleased to know, and I continue to shake hands.

“People must make up their own minds but I think the scientific evidence is… our judgment is that washing your hands is the crucial thing.”