Prince Charles has tested positive for COVID-19 for a second time since the pandemic began, with concerning reports that he met with the Queen shortly before his diagnosis.
The Prince of Wales first battled the virus in March 2020, as did Prince William, and the royals have since received a full round of COVID-19 vaccinations.
However, Charles’ staff confirmed he had contracted the virus again this week, forcing him to cancel a planned event to mark the 70th anniversary of the Queen’s accession on Thursday.
Prince Charles has tested positive for COVID-19 after reportedly meeting with the Queen.
(Image: Getty)“This morning The Prince of Wales has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now self-isolating,” Clarence House announced in a statement on Twitter.
“HRH is deeply disappointed not to be able to attend today’s events in Winchester and will look to reschedule his visit as soon as possible.”
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall tested negative and went ahead with a visit to a Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) as part of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, suggesting she was not exposed to Charles while he was infectious.
In December Charles confirmed both he and his wife had received their booster shots, providing added protection from the effects of COVID-19.
But there are now concerns for the Queen, who reportedly met with Charles on Tuesday at Windsor Palace, where she has spent much of the pandemic in isolation.
BBC reported that a Buckingham Palace source confirmed the meeting happened but said the 95-year-old monarch is not showing symptoms and is being monitored.
Her Majesty has received at least one COVID-19 vaccines, but evidence has shown that the elderly are at a greater risk of complications or death if they contract the virus.
WATCH: Prince Charles’ candid confession about COVID-19. Story continues after video.
Last October, the Queen was hospitalised for an unknown health concern and remained in hospital overnight for preliminary investigations.
She was then advised to reduce her royal duties and spend weeks resting at Windsor Castle, forcing her to cancel a number of planned engagements.
This week Buckingham Palace announced she planned to return to light royal duties as her Platinum Jubilee approaches, but possible exposure to COVID-19 could put those plans on hold.
Meanwhile, Prince Charles will be required to cancel his upcoming public engagements and isolate at Clarence House for 10 days in keeping with current UK regulations.
