Queen Elizabeth has tested positive for COVID-19. Buckingham Palace shared the news on February 20,
which was reported by the BBC. The palace told the outlet that the queen has been experiencing
"mild cold-like symptoms," but that she will "continue light duties at Windsor" throughout her
required quarantine. News of the queen's diagnosis comes on the heels of confirmation that her son,
Prince Charles, had tested positive for the virus for a second time since the
beginning of the pandemic. Four days later, Charles' wife, Camilla Parker Bowles also
tested positive for COVID-19, according to Town & Country. In a separate report from BBC News,
it was confirmed that Charles had met with his mother just two days before his diagnosis,
putting her at great risk for contracting the virus.
Neither Charles nor Camilla had been showcasing symptoms prior to their positive test results,
and had been carrying out their royal duties as scheduled. That included a
trip to Windsor Castle by Charles, who "held an investiture" at the queen's residence,
according to BBC News. Clarence House has since confirmed that Charles received all three doses
of the vaccine, which included a booster shot. Charles has completed the quarantine process,
and has been seen in public for the first time since falling ill, according to People
magazine. All eyes are now on the queen, however, whom fans are very concerned about.
Although Queen Elizabeth may be feeling well enough to complete some "light duties" at home,
many are concerned for her wellbeing following her COVID-19 diagnosis. The 95-year-old monarch
was ordered to rest by her doctors in October 2021, as she was under the weather. According to
the Wall Street Journal, the queen was forced to cancel several appearances and some travel plans,
though she continued doing light work from home. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said at the time, "I
spoke to her majesty and she's on very good form. She's just got to follow the advice of her doctors
and get some rest and I think that's the important thing. I think the whole country wishes her well."
Buckingham Palace later confirmed that the queen had sprained her back, according to NPR.
The queen took the time to rest and soon returned to her regularly scheduled activities. However,
she gave a speech at Christmas in which many fans felt that she looked "thin" and "frail," according
to Express. Royal expert Chris Barrett-Molloy said at the time, "The Queen is almost 96 and,
for the first time, she actually is beginning to look old and frail here."
With her new COVID-19 diagnosis, coupled with her advanced age, many fear that the queen will not
pull through — despite the palace's assurance that she is only experiencing mild symptoms.
Queen Elizabeth's COVID-19 diagnosis has caused a flurry of tweets from concerned people all
over the world. One person tweeted, "Wishing her majesty Queen Elizabeth II a speedy recovery from
COVID-19, God save the Queen." Another Twitter user wrote, "Omg her 'queen Elizabeth II has
passed' szn is coming up." While the majority of tweets appear to wish the queen a speedy recovery,
there is undoubtedly a lot of concern for her health, regardless of the "mild
cold-like symptoms" that the palace says she is experiencing. According to the CDC, "The
risk for severe illness with COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at highest risk."
Many people will continue to worry about the queen's diagnosis until she is seen
for the first time — or until she makes a statement — by way of video — of her own.
Concerns over the queen's health have been ongoing for years, and, as she gets older,
those concerns have clearly intensified.
Back in 2021, the extensive plans for what will happen when the queen dies were published by
Politico. There is a very specific order of events that will take place — and that needed
to be fleshed out in order to ensure that the transition of power happens as seamlessly as
possible. The queen has pulled through many past ailments with relative ease, and many hope that
the trend continues — but there is always a fear of the unknown, especially with coronavirus.
Queen Elizabeth has a big few months coming up, as she is slated to celebrate her Platinum
Jubilee in June 2022. Back on February 6, the queen marked "70 years of service to
the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth," according to the royal
family's official website. Of course, this is cause for a big celebration, which has already
been planned. From June 2 through June 5, the queen is slated to attend "public events" and
participate in a few "community activities" as a way to mark her incredible achievement.
Her COVID-19 diagnosis is putting a mild damper on the upcoming festivities,
however, as all eyes — and ears — are on Buckingham Palace for the latest updates.
People all over the world are anxiously awaiting news on the queen's health.
Many have been looking forward to her Platinum Jubilee, which will be the first of its kind.
However, the queen's health is a priority, and many hope that she's able to pull through.