Queen Elizabeth, the long-reigned monarch, has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the statement released by Buckingham Palace on Sunday, the ITV has learned.
The 95-year-old British monarch’s diagnosis comes after her closest relatives, Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla also tested positive for the novel pathogen.
Last weekend, the sovereign was experiencing “mild cold-like symptoms” but expects to continue light duties at Windsor Castle in the coming days. As Palace said in a short statement, “She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines”.
One week ago, Queen Elizabeth was celebrating her 70th year on the throne, being set another global record.
Despite her diagnosis, the monarch signed off Sunday a congratulatory message to the national Olympic team following their success at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. As the experts suggest, an indication that Her Majesty’s COVID-19 symptoms are not too serious, taking into account she is carefully monitored by her personal medical team.
The British queen has received her first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in January 2021, together with her husband, Prince Philip. There was no solid information about the next doses of vaccine, indeed. But several members of the royal household-based at Windsor Castle have also tested positive for COVID-19.
Prince Charles, Duchess Camilla tested positive for COVID-19
As Buckingham palace said, Prince Charles on Feb 8 was tested positive for the coronavirus. He was at Windsor Castle, where the Queen is currently living, to hand out investiture honours. Four days later, Duchess e Camilla also tested positive for the novel pathogen. Despite the triple vaccinations, both royals preferred to self-isolate themselves.
Last week, the Queen met with outgoing Defence Services Secretary Rear Admiral James Macleod as well as Major General Eldon Millar, who is taking over the position, at the castle.
Despite the isolation due to the coronavirus, the 95-year-old monarch is working. Last week, Her Majesty held two virtual audiences from Windsor Castle with the Estonian and Spanish ambassadors.
Queen Elizabeth, seated in her Oak Room sitting room, has spent most of the pandemic at Windsor, where she was cared for in lockdown in HMS Bubble, the nickname given to her reduced household of dedicated staff.
