Buckingham Palace announces today that the Queen has tested positive for coronavirus. Her Majesty is suffering from minor cold symptoms after testing positive for the bug.
According to palace officials, the Queen is suffering from mild cold-like symptoms. She expects, however, to continue with light duties at Windsor over the next couple of weeks.
Light Duties
The Queen became ill after having close contact with Prince Charles during the virus’ incubation period. Her eldest son and heir, the Prince of Wales, tested positive on 10 February, after meeting his mother on 8 February. Several people are thought to have tested positive at Windsor Castle, where the Queen lives.
The Duchess of Cornwall also came back positive for Covid on February 14, with Clarence House confirming that Camilla was self-isolating.
Her Majesty has set a good example throughout the pandemic, sitting alone at her husband’s funeral in April 2021 and cancelling a family Christmas party in December because it was “the right thing to do.”
Despite a bout of illness at the end of last year that forced her to cancel a number of engagements and spend the night in the hospital, she appeared to be in good health during her recent meetings.
She was photographed beaming brightly as she met with the incoming and outgoing Defence Service Secretaries on February 16.
Good Health and a Speedy Recovery
The Palace says that she will “continue to receive medical attention” from her team of royal physicians and that she expects to return to Windsor for “light duties” in the coming week.
Prime Minister Boris says he is “sure I speak for everyone in wishing Her Majesty The Queen a swift recovery from Covid and a rapid return to vibrant good health”.
Labour opposition leader, Sir Keir Starmer, has wished the monarch “good health and a speedy recovery” adding, “Get well soon, Ma’am.”
The Queen’s positive test comes days out from Covid restrictions being lifted in England. Johnson told the BBC it was time to “shift the balance away from state mandation” and said the public can “get their confidence back”.
On February 6, the Queen held her first major public engagement in more than three months on the eve of her Platinum Jubilee, marking her 70th year on the throne.
The Queen, who will turn 96 in April, is thought to have received all subsequent vaccinations after receiving her first in January 2021.
Doctor’s Advice
The Queen missed the Remembrance Sunday service in November due to a strained back, despite doctors’ advice to rest following her hospital stay. It was the first time as monarch that she had missed the ceremony at the Cenotaph in London due to illness.
Whilst she remains on light duty during her brush with covid, the Queen is likely to be approving and signing documents as necessary.
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