Queen catches ‘mild’ Covid

People gather outside the gates of Buckingham Palace in London yesterday.

Queen Elizabeth II tested positive yesterday for Covid-19 but aides said her symptoms were “mild”, as politicians wished Britain’s longest-serving monarch a rapid recovery in her 70th year on the throne.The queen’s heir Prince Charles, 73, tested positive for a second time for the coronavirus on February 10, two days after meeting his mother at Windsor Castle, west of London.The queen — who is believed to be triple-vaccinated — resumed in-person audiences at the castle last week, but complained to one attendee of suffering from stiffness and was photographed holding a walking stick.Announcing her first positive test, a Buckingham Palace statement said: “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.” It issued a later statement in which the monarch sent her “warmest congratulations” to the British women’s and men’s curling teams, after they won gold and silver medals respectively at the Beijing Winter Olympics.“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,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted, as members of his cabinet sent their own best wishes.Keir Starmer, leader of the main opposition Labour party, tweeted: “Get well soon, Ma’am.”Among well-wishers gathered outside Buckingham Palace in London, cancer scientist Pasquale Morese said it was “sad” news. “She’s a symbol of the nation,” he said. “She’s boosted and everything, so she should be alright, hopefully.”