Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall has tested positive for COVID-19, days after husband Prince Charles' diagnosis.
It's the second time the Prince of Wales has had COVID, having been one of the earliest public figures to test positive in March 2020. The couple appeared together on February 9 in London at the British Asian Trust event, with Charles looking a bit worse for the wear. Clarence House announced his positive diagnosis the following morning, which they claim happened as a result of routine testing.
Though in many situations Camilla would be expected to isolate as a close contact, it seems this was not one of them. Camilla continued her public calendar, having done a number of events on February 10. Her appearances all seemed to have been maskless, which makes news of her recent diagnosis a matter of controversy to some.
There is also concern for Queen Elizabeth, who saw Prince Charles two days before his positive diagnosis when he was visiting Windsor Castle. All parties involved are fully vaccinated, so the palace has declined to offer further updates beyond saying the Queen has not exhibited any symptoms.
The future queen consort is under fire for her behavior, however. Her COVID-19 diagnosis comes after a pretty full calendar in the days after Queen Elizabeth shared her desire for Camilla to one day be regarded as queen consort. Some feel that Charles and Camilla's eagerness to celebrate this momentous announcement dulled their judgment regarding health and safety regulations.
Camilla visited a school and a community kitchen, both with vulnerable communities. Many believe she should have masked, if not stayed home altogether, after her husband was diagnosed.
Publicly, Charles and Camilla have both commented on the Queen's recent announcement regarding Camilla's status.
"We are deeply conscious of the honor represented by my mother's wish," he shared.
"As we have sought together to serve and support Her Majesty and the people of our communities, my darling wife has been my own steadfast support throughout."
Camilla was asked about it at her first public appearance after the announcement.
"I feel very, very honored and very touched," Camilla answered humbly.
While this is certainly an exciting development for the royal family, it also turns up the pressure on Charles and Camilla. Behavior like what they've just exhibited isn't what people are looking for out of their future king and queen, and they're willing to say as much.
