Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Queen Elizabeth II has tested positive for COVID-19 with mild, cold-like symptoms, according to reports from Buckingham Palace.
The palace reported that the test was run on Sunday, 20th February 2022.
The 95-year-old British monarch would still continue with light duties at Windsor Castle over the coming week. “She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines,” the palace said in a statement.
People who test positive for COVID-19 are required to self-isolate for at least five days, though the British government says it plans to lift that requirement for England in the coming week.
Both her eldest son, Prince Charles, and daughter-in-law Camilla, have also recently contracted COVID-19. Prince Charles has since returned to work.
Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, the Queen reached the milestone of 70 years on the throne on 6th February, the anniversary of the death in 1952 of her father King George VI.
She recently returned to public duties following several months off after she was told to rest by her doctors after spending a night in hospital for tests in October 2021. She was forced to cancel appearances at several key events, including Remembrance Sunday services at the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Queen, who has received three doses of coronavirus vaccine, is scheduled to attend a string of in-person public engagements in the coming weeks, including audiences with politicians and diplomats, a diplomatic reception at Windsor on March 2, and the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey on March 14.
Story: Hilda Katu