Britain’s Queen Elizabeth tests positive for Covid-19

LONDON: Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II has tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Sunday, Buckingham Palace announced.

The 95-year-old sovereign – who is celebrating her 70th year on the throne – is experiencing mild cold-like symptoms but expects to continue light duties at Windsor over the coming week, the palace said.  

The news comes after Prince Charles, the queen’s eldest son and heir, tested positive on February 10, two days after meeting his mother at Windsor.

No information was given then on whether Queen Elizabeth had taken any Covid tests herself. The Queen resumed in-person audiences at the castle last week, but complained to one attendee of suffering from stiffness and was photographed holding a walking stick.

“Buckingham Palace confirm that the queen has today tested positive for COVID,” a statement from the palace said. “Her Majesty is experiencing mild cold-like symptoms but expects to continue light duties at Windsor over the coming week,” it said.

“She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines.” While normally secretive about the queen’s health, the palace has previously confirmed she is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

There was no immediate comment from Prime Minister Boris Johnson. However, his health secretary, Sajid Javid, tweeted: “Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a quick recovery.”

Keir Starmer, leader of the main opposition Labour party, also tweeted his best wishes for “a speedy recovery”, adding: “Get well soon, Ma’am.”

On behalf of myself and the whole of @UKLabour, wishing Her Majesty The Queen good health and a speedy recovery. Get well soon, Ma’am.

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) February 20, 2022

The queen, whose husband Prince Philip died aged 99 last April, has spent much of the coronavirus pandemic at Windsor Castle, with a reduced number of household staff dubbed “HMS Bubble”. Respecting the government’s then rules on Covid distancing, she sat alone at Philip’s funeral.

On the eve of the 70th anniversary of her accession on February 6, the monarch held a reception for locals at Sandringham. It was reportedly her largest in-person public engagement since an unexplained health issue saw her spend a night in the hospital.

The COVID scare comes with the royal family mired in scandals. The queen’s second son, Prince Andrew, settled a sexual assault civil lawsuit in the United States last week, reportedly for £12 million ($16.3 million) — which newspapers claim she will partly fund.

Meanwhile, police in London have said they are investigating claims that a Saudi tycoon was offered UK honours in return for donations to Prince Charles´ charitable foundation.