Prince Charles has reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus and is self-isolating in Scotland. The heir to throne, 71, is said to be suffering only mild symptoms. It's currently not clear how he caught the virus, but it's likely that he was exposed while conducting royal duties in public.
Buckingham Palace has said that the Queen remains in good health. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip moved to Windsor Castle last Thursday, a week ahead of schedule. The Queen and Charles last met on March 12, and Prince Philip was not present at the meeting.
A statement issued by Clarence House reads:
"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. 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."
Charles and Camilla arrived in Scotland on Sunday, and it has been reported that Charles began showing mild symptoms of the virus over the weekend. The BBC reports that "Prince Charles and Camilla will be following governmental advice and isolating separately. It's not a huge house but certainly big enough to isolate yourself within it.
"They've got a small staff with them — and it's expected Charles will now be in Scotland for a couple of weeks recovering from the symptoms."
Though reports say the Queen is in good health, her advanced age of 93 has many concerned about her well-being. Her March 19th statement reads:
"As Philip and I arrive at Windsor today, we know that many individuals and families across the United Kingdom, and around the world, are entering a period of great concern and uncertainty."
"We are all being advised to change our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of the communities we live in and, in particular, to protect the most vulnerable within them.
"At times such as these, I am reminded that our nation’s history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one, concentrating our combined efforts with a focus on the common goal."
"We are enormously thankful for the expertise and commitment of our scientists, medical practitioners and emergency and public services; but now more than any time in our recent past, we all have a vitally important part to play as individuals – today and in the coming days, weeks and months."
"Many of us will need to find new ways of staying in touch with each other and making sure that loved ones are safe. I am certain we are up to that challenge. You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part.
"ELIZABETH R"
The BBC also reports that some of Charles and Camilla's staff is self-isolating as well: "However, Charles has also been working from home over the last few days, and has held a number of private meetings with Highgrove and Duchy of Cornwall individuals, all of whom have been made aware.
"A number of household staff at Birkhall — the prince's residence on the Balmoral estate — are now self-isolating at their own homes."
