The longest-reigning monarch in the world came face-to-face with the coronavirus. Headlines stated Queen Elizabeth II is positive for COVID-19 mere weeks after celebrating her Platinum Jubilee. She celebrated 70 years of being queen on February 6, the first British Monarch to achieve that milestone. The queen’s popularity worldwide saw messages of shock, concern, and goodwill sent her way. Her symptoms are mild but Buckingham Palace is being cautious because she is already 95-years-old.
Queen Elizabeth II Positive for COVID-19
Queen Elizabeth pulled out of several high-profile events and spent a night in hospital this past October. This caused many to fear for her health. Her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, just passed away on April 9, 2021, at the age of 99. Philip married Elizabeth in 1947.
She delivered a very personal Christmas message in December. Analysts saw it as a departure from previous messages that looked back at the year that was. That broadcast was the Queen’s most extensive appearance in some time. Health issues forced her to withdraw from the previously mentioned autumn events.
Other Royals and COVID-19
Eldest son Prince Charles tested positive for COVID-19 twice and quickly recovered both times. The 72-year-old Prince of Wales first got coronavirus in March 2020. He lost his sense of taste and smell that early in the pandemic. His wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, got COVID-19 with him just last week.
Charles’ son, Prince William, got COVID-19 in April 2020 but did not make it public until seven months later. William was hit “pretty hard” by the virus says The Sun newspaper. He struggled to breathe at one stage. William did not want to alarm the nation, thus he kept silent about the episode.
Princess Anne, the Queen’s only daughter, was not spared from the virus. Her husband, Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, tested positive in December 2021. They were unable to join the Queen for Christmas at Windsor Castle.
COVID-19 in the UK
There have been 18.7 million total COVID-19 cases in the United Kingdom to date. Over 161,000 have died from the coronavirus. Vaccinations have been continuously rolling with 91.4% of adults receiving their first dose. Eighty-five percent have gotten their second shot and 66.1% got their booster.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson released an official statement wishing the Queen a swift recovery and a rapid return to vibrant good health. He also contracted COVID-19 early in the pandemic and spent three days in an intensive care unit, the New York Times newspaper reported. Opposition leader Keir Starmer said “Get well soon, Ma’am,” Reuters reports. “God save the Queen.” tweeted other politicians.
Queen Elizabeth was expected to continue “light duties” over the coming week despite her diagnosis. She even released a statement congratulating the British women’s curling team for their Olympic gold medal at the Beijing Winter Olympics.
“I know that your local communities and people throughout the United Kingdom will join me in sending our good wishes to you, your coaches, and the friends and family who have supported you in your great success,” she said.
Key Takeaways
Well-wishes from supporters greeted the news that Queen Elizabeth II is positive for COVID-19. The 95-year-old monarch just celebrated 70 years of being queen on February 6. She had a challenging 2021 after the loss of her husband Prince Philip. Prince Charles, his wife Camilla, and Prince William were among other royals who have tested positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic began. The United Kingdom has had high vaccination rates despite 18.7 million positive cases.
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