Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall has tested positive for COVID-19, Clarence House has said in a statement, adding that the 74-year-old is now self-isolating. No information has been released on her physical well-being. Last week, Clarence House said that Prince Charles, 73, who has been infected with the disease for a second time, displayed no symptoms.
The news of both royals catching COVID-19 has sparked concern about Queen Elizabeth's health as Prince Charles met with his mother several days before receiving a positive test and was in direct contact with her. Buckingham Palace said the monarch was not displaying any symptoms, but declined to elaborate on whether she had undergone a test herself, saying the Queen has a "right to medical privacy".
At the end of 2021, doctors advised the Queen to take a few weeks of rest after embarking on an intense schedule, which saw the monarch making 19 engagements in as many days.
Last week, Prince Charles and Camilla conducted several royal engagements. During one of them, which was held in the British Museum, the couple met scores of people, including Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary Priti Patel. Two days after the heir to the throne received a positive test, but his wife received a negative test.
Camilla's positive test comes a week after Queen Elizabeth expressed a desire for her to be known as Queen Consort once Prince Charles becomes king.