Karl von Habsburg, Archduke of Austria, becomes first royal diagnosed with coronavirus

The past week has seen several celebrities, politicians and media personalities emerge among the thousands testing positive for coronavirus around the world.

Now, the first known case of COVID-19 among royalty has been confirmed, with the Archduke of Austria in quarantine after being diagnosed with the illness.

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Karl von Habsburg told local TV channel oe24 he is feeling "fine", praising Austrian authorities for their measured response to the pandemic.

"It's annoying, but I'm fine. It's not the black plague. I thought it was the usual flu," the head of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine said, according to People.

"When a friend called me that he had a positive test at a congress in Switzerland, I was also tested.

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"I have to expressly praise the Austrian authorities because they act with measure and aim."

While there are no other known COVID-19 diagnoses among royals, it's reported Prince Harry is currently following government advice in Canada following a potential exposure to the illness, which is spread from person-to-person.

On March 6, Harry spent time with Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton at the opening of the Silverstone Experience Centre.

Two days earlier, Hamilton had been rubbing shoulders with actor Idris Elba, and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who have both since tested positive for coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Spain's King Felipe and Queen Letizia were tested for the virus last week after meeting with Irene Montero, Minister for Equality, who was later diagnosed.

Sophie, Countess of Wessex was also screened for coronavirus on arrival in South Sudan for a royal visit two weeks ago.