Prince Charles tests positive for coronavirus

Heir to throne, 71, self-isolating at home in Scotland

Prince Charles has tested positive for coronavirus.

The Prince of Wales is displaying mild symptoms of Covid-19 “but otherwise remains in good health”, Clarence House said.

The 71-year-old was self-isolating at home in Scotland. The Duchess of Cornwall, 72, who does not have the virus, is also staying at the Birkhall residence but is separating herself from the prince.

A Clarence House spokesperson said: “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.

“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.

“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.”

An SNP MSP questioned how the prince was able to receive a test for coronavirus.

Joan McAlpine, MSP for South Scotland, tweeted to say she wished Charles a speedy recovery but added: “Given that his symptoms are said to be mild, like many I wonder how he was tested when many NHS and social care workers cannot get tested.

“My nephew, who has serious asthma and a chest infection was recently refused a test.”

The heir to the throne’s last public engagement was on 12 March, when he attended a Mansion House dinner hosted by William Russell, lord mayor of the City of London, and George Brandis, the high commissioner for Australia, in aid of the Australian bushfire relief effort.

The prince saw the Queen privately at some point during the day.

He last saw the Queen at a public event on 9 March, when senior royals including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.

The Queen “remains in good health”, a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said.

“The Queen last saw the Prince of Wales briefly after the investiture on the morning of 12 March and is following all the appropriate advice with regard to her welfare.”

The Duke of Edinburgh was not with the Queen at Buckingham Palace when she last met Charles, the palace confirmed.