Britain’s Prince Charles Tests Positive for Coronavirus

Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, has tested positive for the Coronavirus. The 71-year-old is showing mild symptoms, according to reports. The prince becomes perhaps the most high profile single individual to test positive for Covid-19 amid the global pandemic.

The prince’s mother, Queen Elizabeth II, cancelled planned events on her schedule last week as a precaution against catching the virus. The 93-year-old does not generally live in the same house as her son as they have separate estates and palaces.

Prince Charles’ wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, was also tested but her results were negative. Both are now self-isolating in Scotland. The prince’s age puts him in a high risk group – the over-60s are considered more vulnerable – but he does not have any reported underlying health conditions.

Breaking News: Prince Charles, the 71-year-old heir to the British throne, has tested positive for the coronavirus. He and his wife, Camilla, are isolating themselves in Scotland. https://t.co/pTJh3TecpS

— The New York Times (@nytimes) March 25, 2020

He is first in line for the throne of the United Kingdom and several other countries where Elizabeth II is still head of state, such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The Queen’s long life has meant Prince Charles has now waited longer than any heir to inherit the throne.

Though a number of politicians and some celebrities have tested positive for Covid-19 so far, the Prince of Wales may be the most prominent person as yet diagnosed. Details about who he may have been in contact with and whether other members of the Royal Family have been tested are yet to be released.