The Prince of Wales has tested positive for coronavirus (covid-19) and is working from home with mild symptoms.
A Clarence House spokesman said he was “displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual”.
Prince Charles, 71, and the Duchess of Cornwall, 72, are now self-isolating at their home in Scotland. The Duchess has also been tested for the virus but did not have it, the spokesman said.
“The Prince of Wales has tested positive for Coronavirus,” the spokesman said.
“He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual. The Duchess of Cornwall has also been tested but does not have the virus. In accordance with Government and medical advice, the Prince and the Duchess are now self-isolating at home in Scotland. The tests were carried out by the NHS in Aberdeenshire where they met the criteria required for testing.
“It is not possible to ascertain from whom the Prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks.”
Queen is safe though
Buckingham Palace has issued a statement about the Queen following the news that the Prince of Wales has coronavirus.
A spokeswoman said: “Her Majesty The Queen remains in good health. “The Queen last saw The Prince of Wales briefly after the investiture on the morning of 12th March and is following all the appropriate advice with regard to her welfare.”
The Prince of Wales last saw the Queen for a private meeting on March 12, 13 days ago. Their last public engagement together was at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 9.
The service also included the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds, Jeremy Corbyn and Dominic Raab.
The incubation period for coronavirus is generally about 5 or 6 days, but it can be as long as 14 days. It is not yet known when the Prince of Wales first displayed symptoms.
Where did Prince Charles catch coronavirus?
Prince Charles’ Covid-19 diagnosis makes him the most high-profile patient in the UK.
His press office said the symptoms he is displaying are only mild, but the Prince of Wales comes into contact with a large number of people in his role as an active member of the royal household.
Clarence House said it is “not possible to ascertain from whom the Prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks”.
In the last two weeks, the Prince has given a speech at a dinner in aid of the Australian bushfires and at his own Prince’s Trust award in London. The World Health Organisation says the incubation period for Covid-19 can be as long as 14 days.
