Prince Charles is finished with his self-isolation. The 71-year-old Prince of Wales came forward with a coronavirus diagnosis last week. Charles was reportedly tested for the virus on March 23 and received the diagnosis the next day.
Charles reportedly only began feeling unwell shortly before heading to Birkhall in Scotland on March 22. His wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, has tested negative for COVID-19 but will continue to self-isolate through the end of the week.
Charles is technically following government guidelines for dealing with the coronavirus. In the UK, the public has been told to self-isolate for seven days after feeling symptoms. Those living with others who have exhibited symptoms are instructed to enter self-isolation for 14 days. That is how long it could take for symptoms to appear.
Yet the guidelines in the UK are more relaxed than in many other areas of the world. Most are following World Health Organization guidelines to self-isolate for 14 days. It's leading many fans to wonder whether the royal family is taking things seriously enough.
Clarence House released a statement Monday with an update on Prince Charles' condition. A spokesman for the Prince of Wales' London office said, "Clarence House has confirmed today that, having consulted with his doctor, The Prince of Wales is now out of self-isolation."
Prince Charles' self-isolation lasted just seven days.
The Prince of Wales is said to be in "good health," according to reports. He's following government guidelines that suggest those who are symptomatic or have tested positive to self-isolate for seven days. This is a shorter period than in many other areas, where 14 days is still recommended.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, is continuing her self-isolation through the end of the week. This is in accordance with guidelines that suggest those exposed to someone who has tested positive should self-isolate for 14 days. This is in the event symptoms should begin to present.
Charles' busy schedule has made it impossible to pinpoint when he contracted the illness. His earliest possible contagious date given is just one day after he last saw Queen Elizabeth. As the situation surrounding coronavirus worsened, Charles and Camilla went to Birkhall in Scotland, while Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip went to Windsor Castle.
Charles is still staying at Birkhall and continues to work from home. However, some are wondering what danger that puts his staff in. It's also calling into question the response from the UK overall, which many have felt has been more relaxed than other countries.
Many have pointed out that Charles' symptoms were said to be mild. That doesn't change the risk that it puts those who come into contact with him, however. This comes after rumors began last week that staff members at Birhkall were already falling ill.
Charles' team refuted those claims in a statement, and also rumors that possibly contagious staff members were interacting with local residents. "Their Royal Highnesses have a huge affection for Ballater and the local community," the statement reads.
"It has been their home for more than 15 years and they are always here for the Easter period. Their Royal Highnesses have been careful to ensure that all those in the house are not venturing into the village, and they have not done so since their arrival earlier this week."
"They are also extremely mindful of the welfare of local residents," the statement continues.
"It is important to stress that His Royal Highness was not displaying any coronavirus symptoms when he traveled last weekend. These came on once he had arrived and continued into Monday, when he was tested."
This doesn't match the timeline that's been presented publicly, however. It was originally said Charles began to exhibit symptoms on March 21. He traveled to Scotland on March 22. He was then tested on March 23 and received his diagnosis on March 24.
As for reports that staffers have become sick, those have also been refuted. "It is only His Royal Highness that is unwell," a staffer for the couple noted.
"There’s nobody allowed out of the house, and deliveries are being made to a designated drop-off point. Staff collect that after they’ve gone, so there’s been no contact outwith Birkhall."
The staff member also says the couple is dedicated to making sure the needs of local people are met before their own.
"HRH has insisted that we make sure local people get their orders first before anything is delivered to the house," the staffer claims.
"He is extremely concerned about the welfare of his staff, but is really concerned about the community as a whole. They arrived here before they knew that HRH was ill. They would not have travelled otherwise."
Scottish residents are pointing to a particular note of advice from the UK government as the reason for their ire.
It reads, "Essential travel does not include visits to second homes, camp sites, caravan parks, or similar, whether for isolation purposes or holidays. People should remain in their primary residence. Not to do so puts additional pressure on communities and services that are already at risk."
As a whole, the royal family's reaction to the coronavirus has not been great. Prince William came under fire for joking about the virus being dramatized by the media just over a week before lockdowns began around the world. Later, he and Kate were met with mixed reactions when they visited a busy 111 call center to provide moral support.
It's impossible to imagine where the changing world will next lead the royal family. If we've learned anything over the last few years, it's that the twists and turns keep coming. Hopefully, as they do, everyone stays healthy and committed to serving the public and themselves in the most sensible ways.
