Earlier this morning, it was confirmed that Queen Elizabeth II has tested positive for COVID-19. The news comes after Charles, the Prince of Wales, tested positive last week, and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, tested positive on Monday, as previously confirmed by Clarence House. Some had expressed concern already that the Queen may have been exposed to the virus after having met with Charles two days before he received his positive test.
“The queen has today tested positive for Covid,” the palace said in a statement. “Her Majesty is experiencing mild cold-like symptoms but expects to continue light duties at Windsor over the coming week. She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all appropriate guidelines.”
It is believed that the Queen is fully vaccinated, having received her first dose at Windsor Castle alongside her late husband, Prince Philip, back in January 2021. Given her age—she will be celebrating her 96th birthday in April—it is understood that she will be under close medical watch to ensure there are no further complications.
The news comes just weeks after the Queen became the first monarch in British history to reach her platinum jubilee, with celebrations surrounding her 70-year reign planned later this year in June both across the U.K. and the Commonwealth more widely. She also used the occasion to announce the news that Camilla would formally be granted the title “Queen Consort” upon Charles’s accession to the throne. A spokesperson confirmed that Charles and Camilla were “touched and honored by Her Majesty’s words.”
The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was one of the first to send a message of support to the Royal Family, sending his wishes for a speedy recovery. “I’m sure I speak for everyone in wishing Her Majesty The Queen a swift recovery from Covid and a rapid return to vibrant good health,” he wrote on Twitter, with his well-wishes being echoed by a number of senior political figures across both major parties.
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