Prince charles has covid19 and the ripple effect is massive 20200325 p5q5o6.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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This was published 6 years ago

Prince Charles has been diagnosed with COVID-19

Jo Abi
Jo Abi

The news Prince Charles has tested positive for coronavirus is a perfect example of just how dangerous the virus can be – not even those with access to the world's best care can consider themselves immune.

The Prince of Wales, 71, is in isolation at Balmoral Castle with his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

The Duchess has tested negative for COVID-19, with Charles reportedly suffering just mild symptoms before he was tested.

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Clarence House has confirmed Prince Charles' diagnosis.

Clarence House has confirmed Prince Charles' COVID-19 diagnosis. Instagram @theroyalfamily

Clarence House confirmed the diagnosis, saying despite the symptoms the future king "otherwise remains in good health".

The full statement reads: "The Prince of Wales has tested positive for Coronavirus.  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. 

RELATED: Prince Charles mingled with Aussies days before diagnosis

"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. 

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall has also been tested, but does not have coronavirus. Getty

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"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 recent weeks, both Charles and Camilla had increased their duties as senior royals since the resignation of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle.

RELATED: Prince Charles still hard at work amid coronavirus outbreak

Charles has also been stepping in for his mother Queen Elizabeth II, who, at the age of 93, is considered at high risk for complications from the virus.

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Her Majesty was relocated to Windsor Castle from Buckingham Palace late last week, and will remain at the estate with Prince Philip for the forseeable future.

According to royal reporters, Buckingham Palace has said the Queen "remains in good health."

"The Queen last saw The Prince of Wales briefly on the morning of 12 March and is following all the appropriate advice with regard to her welfare," a statement shared on social media reads.

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The Queen is said to "remain in good health" despite her eldest son's coronavirus diagnosis. Getty

Just days ago, a source told the Press Association that Charles had been "operating as close to business as usual as possible" as the coronavirus pandemic unfolded.

Among the many engagements recently attended by Charles was a formal investiture ceremony on behalf of Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace on Thursday.

He also made a key announcement at a dinner in aid of the Australian Bushfire Appeal last week, aptly praising the Australian people for their resilience during such a tough time.

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There were more than 200 people at the dinner, with guests mingling in close proximity at the event, which raised more than $400,000.

Charles has been filling in for the Queen at the Investiture Ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Charles has been filling in for the Queen at investiture ceremonies at Buckingham Palace. Instagram @theroyalfamily

On March 11, the prince was joined by a host of celebrities, including British TV hosts Ant and Dec, singer Craig David and actor Pierce Brosnan, to celebrate the achievements of young people helped by his charity, the Prince's Trust Awards.

Adding to his schedule, Charles also made an appearance at WaterAid Summit on March 10 alongside Prince Albert of Monaco, who has also tested positive for coronavirus.

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In a statement on Thursday, the Monaco palace confirmed Albert was being treated by doctors from the Princess Grace Hospital.

It is believed Charles wasn't in close contact with the prince during the event.

Prince Charles and Camilla, along with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, stepped up their duties before coronavirus struck.

Charles and Camilla are in isolation in Scotland, while Prince William and Kate Middleton are said to be at their country home. Instagram @theroyalfamily

During his recent appearances, the Prince of Wales has also noticeably avoided shaking hands with others, opting instead for the Indian 'namaste' greeting.

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The Queen remains at Windsor Castle as the pandemic continues, while the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are believed to have travelled to Amner Hall in Norfolk with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have returned to Canada, after completing their final royal engagements in London earlier this month.

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