(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) –The Queen has tested positive for Covid, Buckingham Palace has said.
The monarch is experiencing “mild cold-like symptoms” but expects to continue “light duties” at Windsor over the coming week, the palace said.
“She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines,” it added in a statement.
Her eldest son and heir, the Prince of Wales, tested positive on 10 February, after meeting his mother on 8 February.
It is understood a number of people have tested positive at Windsor Castle, where the Queen resides.
Later on Sunday, the Palace issued a congratulatory message from the Queen to the Team GB Curling teams.
She heralded the teams’ “outstanding performance” at the Winter Olympics, which led to the women securing a gold medal and the men silver.
She added: “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.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “sure I speak for everyone in wishing Her Majesty The Queen a swift recovery from Covid and a rapid return to vibrant good health”.
Leader of the Opposition, Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer, also wished the monarch “good health and a speedy recovery”, adding: “Get well soon, Ma’am.”
The positive test comes days before England is expected to drop the legal requirement to self-isolate for those who catch Covid, as the last virus restrictions are set to be removed.
Outlining the thinking behind the government’s upcoming “living with Covid” plans, Mr Johnson told the BBC it was time to “shift the balance away from state mandation” and said the public can “get their confidence back”.
