The Queen Will Not Undertake Planned Virtual Engagements Today

The Queen will not undertake planned virtual engagements today as she is still suffering from mild cold-like symptoms due to Covid, Buckingham Palace has said. 

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “As Her Majesty is still experiencing mild cold-like symptoms she has decided not to undertake her planned virtual engagements today, but will continue with light duties.”

It is understood further engagements over the coming week will be decided upon nearer the time.

The monarch, 95, tested positive for the virus on Sunday (20 February), and had virtual audiences planned for Tuesday.

In a statement announcing her Covid status, a Palace spokesperson said: "Buckingham Palace confirm that The Queen has today tested positive for Covid.

"Her Majesty is experiencing mild cold-like symptoms but expects to continue light duties at Windsor over the coming week.

"She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines."

Concern for the nation’s longest-reigning sovereign will be at peak levels given her age, her Covid diagnosis and recent health scare.

The head of state has fallen ill after it was confirmed she had been in direct contact with her eldest son and heir, the Prince of Wales, the week he tested positive for Covid.

She is believed to have spent time with Charles on 8 February, when he hosted an investiture at her Windsor Castle home, and a few days later he tested positive for Covid but made a quick recovery to full health.

The Duchess of Cornwall has also tested positive for Covid, with Clarence House confirming on 14 February that the duchess was self isolating.

The Queen had initially continued working, issuing a message of condolence to the Brazilian president over flooding in his country while self-isolating at Windsor Castle on Monday.

She is believed to be triple vaccinated but until recently had been on doctors’ orders to rest and only undertake light duties since mid-October.

She cancelled a run of major engagements, and also secretly spent a night in hospital on 20 October undergoing preliminary tests.

The Royal Household has its own royal physicians and the Queen’s doctors will be on hand to take care of and monitor the head of state, with Professor Sir Huw Thomas, head of the Medical Household and Physician to the Queen, expected to be in charge.