Police officer guarding Japan's Prince Hitachi diagnosed with COVID-19

A police officer who guards Japan's Masahito, Prince Hitachi, has been diagnosed with COVID 19, with the diagnosis being confirmed by the Imperial Household Agency that speaks for the royal family in Japan.

The officer and his family reportedly tested positive to the virus on July 6, with a second test confirming the diagnosis just days later.

The Imperial Household said the officer had not been feeling ill ahead of the diagnosis.

Prince Hitachi, 84, and his wife Princess Hanako, 80, have reportedly not been exposed to the virus as the last time they were with the officer in question at the end of June, everyone was wearing masks.

They added that Their Imperial Highnesses are both in good health.

The Japanese Imperial Family employs more than 1,000 staff members with 160 servants working in The Imperial Palace, according to Wikipedia.

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There have been 24,642 in Japan and 985 deaths as of July 20 according to the latest figures.

Prince Hitachi is the third and last in the line of succession to the Japanese throne. He is the younger brother of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and the uncle of reigning Emperor Naruhito.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako made their first state visit to England since his enthronement in October 2019, staying at Windsor Castle for the duration of their visit.

When Emperor Naruhito was enthroned it saw one of the largest gatherings of royals from around the world including royals from Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as Sweden, Norway and Denmark.