Buckingham Palace confirms the British monarch has coronavirus

Queen Elizabeth II has tested positive for Covid-19, Buckingham Palace announced on Sunday.

The palace said the monarch*, 95, is experiencing mild “cold-like symptoms” but expects to continue “light duties” at Windsor over the coming week.

“She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines,” the palace said in a statement.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, pictured at a February 5 reception celebrating her Platinum Jubilee, has tested positive for Covid-19. Picture: AFP

Fears had grown for Her Majesty after she had been in contact last week with her eldest son and heir* to the throne, Prince Charles – the same week he tested positive for Covid-19.

It is the second time Charles, the Prince of Wales, has tested positive to Covid-19. His wife, Camilla, has also tested positive.

Speculation* over the Queen’s health grew on February 17 when she told members of the royal household that she could not move easily.

It comes just a few weeks after the nation’s longest-reigning* monarch reached her historic Platinum Jubilee* milestone* of 70 years on the throne on February 6.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “Buckingham Palace confirm that the Queen has today tested positive for Covid.

“Her Majesty is experiencing mild cold-like symptoms but expects to continue light duties at Windsor over the coming week.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, pictured in London on February 9, both tested positive to Covid-19 ahead of Queen Elizabeth II. It is the second time Prince Charles has caught the virus. Picture: WireImage/Getty Images

“She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines.”

According to The Sun, the palace has its own royal physicians* and the Queen’s doctors will be on hand to take care of and monitor her, with Professor Sir Huw Thomas, head of the Medical Household and Physician to the Queen, expected to be in charge.

While usually secretive about the Queen’s health, the palace has previously confirmed that she is fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

Britain’s Press Association said “it is understood a number of cases have also been diagnosed among the Windsor Castle team”.

Windsor Castle, main residence of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, where the Queen intends to continue with light duties while in isolation with the virus. Prince Charles tested positive two days after meeting his mother at Windsor Castle. Picture: AFP

Australia’s Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, was among world leaders to send their best wishes to the Queen.

“People of that age, depending on the nature of how the virus has impacted them, can pull through and I have no doubt and certainly hope and pray that will be the case for Her Majesty and we wish her all the best,” Mr Morrison told Nine Radio.

Earlier British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “I’m sure I speak for everyone in wishing Her Majesty the Queen a swift recovery from Covid and a rapid return to vibrant* good health.”

Members of the public gather outside of Buckingham Palace in London on Sunday after the announcement. Picture: Getty Images

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also tweeted: “My thoughts, and the thoughts of millions of Canadians, are with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II today. We’re wishing her a fast and full recovery from COVID-19.”

The Queen, whose husband Prince Philip died aged 99 last April, has spent much of the coronavirus pandemic at Windsor Castle, with a reduced number of household staff dubbed “HMS Bubble”.

Respecting the government’s then rules on Covid distancing, she sat alone at Philip’s funeral.

GLOSSARY

• monarch: person who rules over a kingdom or empire, like a king, queen or emperor
• heir: person who inherits rank and property of an ancestor upon their death
• speculation: comment, talk, rumour, conjecture
• reigning: occupying the throne, ruling as a monarch
• jubilee: special celebration of a significant anniversary
• milestone: important stage or event
• physicians: medical doctor, a person qualified to practice medicine
• vibrant: lively, spirited, energetic

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QUICK QUIZ

1. How old is Queen Elizabeth II?
2. Who is the heir to the British throne?
3. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee marks how many years on the throne?
4. Which three prime ministers are named in the article and from which nations?
5. What is the staff nickname for Windsor Castle during Covid?

LISTEN TO THIS STORY

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. Caring for the Queen

The Queen obviously has a lot of people looking after her and ensuring Covid is not making her too unwell, and if it is, doing all they can to help her get better.

What sort of treatment do you think the Queen is receiving by her medical staff and carers to help fight off Covid?

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Time: allow 15 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English; Health and Physical Education; Critical and Creative Thinking

2. Extension
The Queen has just passed a huge milestone of 70 years on the throne as monarch. When she dies (she is currently 95), the throne will go to Prince Charles, who is currently 73 years of age. How long realistically do you think Prince Charles may reign as King?

What is the difference between this estimate and the amount of time the Queen has held the throne?

Time: allow 10 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English; Health and Physical Education; Critical and Creative Thinking

VCOP ACTIVITY
Stretch your sentence
Find a “who” in the article. Write it down.

Add three adjectives to describe them better.

Now add a verb to your list. What are they doing?

Add an adverb about how they are doing the action.

Using all the words listed, create one descriptive sentence.