Rabat – Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II has tested positive for the coronavirus, Buckingham Palace announced on Sunday.
The palace said the queen is experiencing mild cold-like symptoms, and will continue to perform “light duties” under medical attention and appropriate measures.
The British monarch is now one of the most notable global figureheads to contract the virus, after many world leaders, athletes, and celebrities also got it over the past two years.
While the queen confirmed that she and her late husband, Prince Philip, received their first doses of the vaccine last year, no further information about vaccination status was divulged by the palace, for medical privacy reasons.
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The news has reignited speculation surrounding the queen’s health, which first started after she stayed the night at a hospital for undisclosed reasons.
The queen, under medical advice, then retreated from public events and appearances, sparking speculation around the health condition of the monarch, who is turning 96 in April.
Prince Charles, heir to the throne, and his wife Camilla had also confirmed their infection with the virus 10 days ago.
Queen Elizabeth had met with them earlier this month but details of the meeting were not disclosed.
The queen had just recently completed her first in-person engagement on Wednesday, where she held an audience with James Macleod, the outgoing Defense Services Secretary.
She also recently celebrated 70 years on the British throne, becoming the longest-reigning monarch in the country’s history.
Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, took to Twitter to express well wishes for the queen, saying: “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.”
British Opposition Leader Keir Starmer said: “On behalf of myself and the whole of UK Labour, wishing Her Majesty The Queen good health and a speedy recovery. Get well soon, Ma’am.”
