Queen Elizabeth II Experiencing 'Mild Cold-Like Symptoms' Due to COVID-19; But Monarch Still Working

The Queen has tested positive for COVID-19, according to Buckingham Palace. The monarch suffers from slight cold-like symptoms, but the palace says he will return to Windsor next week to resume his duties.

The Prince of Wales, her eldest son, and heir, tested positive on February 10 after seeing his mother on February 8, several persons are believed to have tested positive at Windsor Castle, where the Queen resides.

Queen Elizabeth II's Diagnosis Drew Support From Across the World

The Queen sent a congratulations message to the Team GB Curling teams later on Sunday, according to the palace. She praised the teams' "excellent performance" in the Winter Olympics, which resulted in a gold medal for the ladies and a silver for the men.

The positive test comes just days before England is set to drop the legal obligation for persons who get COVID-19 to self-isolate, as the remaining virus restrictions are scheduled to be lifted. On the eve of her Platinum Jubilee, which will honor her 70 years on the throne on February 6, the Queen met with charity workers at Sandringham House for the first time in over three months.

The Queen, who will turn 96 in April, had her first immunization in January 2021 and is said to have received all of her subsequent vaccinations. Since spending a night in hospital for medical tests in October last year, she has been taking things "much more casually," according to BBC royal journalist Nicholas Witchell.

The Queen skipped the Remembrance Sunday ceremony in November due to a stiff back, weeks after doctors recommended her to rest following her hospital stay. It was the first time in her reign as monarch that she did not attend the Cenotaph event in London, according to BBC.

Per Sky News, the news of the 95-year-illness old's prompted a worldwide outpouring of goodwill, with politicians and celebrities wishing her a quick recovery. In a tweet, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed the nation's wishes for the Queen's "fast recovery from COVID-19 and a quick return to bright good health."

Piers Morgan, an ardent opponent of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, her grandson, and granddaughter-in-law, says it's a "very scary time for Britain. "Wishing Her Majesty, The Queen, a speedy recovery from COVID," Scott Morrison, Australia's prime minister, took to Twitter.

Who Can Takeover the Queen's Responsibilities?

Following the revelation of Queen Elizabeth's positive coronavirus test on Sunday, many people voiced concern for her health as well as the monarchy's future, which big and small scandals have beset. If the Queen is unable to perform her official responsibilities due to sickness or travel, two or more counselors of state can act on her behalf, according to Buckingham Palace.

The sovereign's spouse - which does not apply to the Queen because her husband, Prince Philip, died last year - and the next four individuals in the line of succession, who are selected when they reach 21 - are among these advisers. Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, Prince William, and Prince Harry are the current four counselors.

However, royal analysts believe that only Prince Charles and Prince William are likely to take on additional tasks. After a case alleging Prince Andrew of sexual assault was permitted to proceed, he was deprived of public responsibilities and military titles. He has subsequently found a home. And Prince Harry has relocated his family to California, so he is not in the UK.

The Metropolitan Police Service in London has announced an inquiry into a charity founded by Prince Charles. He has denied knowing anything about the alleged acts, and Howard has maintained that the investigation would not interfere with his ability to carry out royal duties unless the police find any evidence of wrongdoing or foreknowledge.

Buckingham Palace gave a number of assurances concerning the Queen's health and capacity to function following the news of her sickness. The palace said in a statement that she was only experiencing minor symptoms and would "continue light duties." Shortly after the positive test was announced, the palace announced that the Queen had sent a congratulatory message to the British curling teams after the women's team won gold and the men's team took silver at the Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Despite the positive indicators, the coronavirus infection has raised new concerns about the Queen's health. She is 95 years old and recently marked her 70th anniversary as monarch, New York Times reported.