Queen Elizabeth Tests Positive for COVID-19
Queen Elizabeth Tests Positive for COVID-19
Queen Elizabeth has tested positive for COVID-19, Buckingham Palace announced on Sunday.
“Her Majesty is experiencing mild coldlike symptoms but expects to continue light duties at Windsor over the coming week. She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines,” the statement read.
The news comes during a banner year for the queen, who recently commemorated the 70th anniversary of her Accession Day, the longest reign in the British monarchy.
Aside from confirming her positive test results, the palace released few other details about the queen’s health, including how she may have contracted the illness. She is the latest member of the royal family to be diagnosed with the coronavirus. Earlier this month, the queen met with Prince Charles, who later tested positive and went into self-isolation. It marked the second time Prince Charles has contracted the virus—his first positive diagnosis was in March 2020 after he developed mild symptoms while traveling to Birkhall, his country home on the Balmoral estate in Scotland.
Less than a week after her husband’s second diagnosis, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, also tested positive. At the time, a spokesman for Clarence House released a brief statement announcing Camilla’s status that read: “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall has tested positive for COVID-19 and is self-isolating. We continue to follow government guidelines.”
The queen’s health has been continually monitored following contact with Prince Charles. On Wednesday, the 95-year-old monarch went mask-free during an in-person meeting at Windsor Castle with the outgoing Defence Services Secretary Rear Admiral James Macleod and his replacement, Major General Eldon Millar. In Northern Ireland and England, residents are no longer legally required to wear masks in most public places. However, they are still required in higher-risk settings like hospitals and on public transportation.