Queen Elizabeth Has Tested Positive for COVID-19

Update 2/22/22:

Queen Elizabeth has opted out of virtual royal engagements as she experiences "mild cold-like symptoms" following her COVID-19 diagnosis, Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement today. The monarch "will continue with light duties."

Her participation in future engagements will be decided closer to the events' dates, the palace added.

Original 2/20/22:

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed to Bazaar.com that Queen Elizabeth has tested positive for COVID-19.

The statement released today, February 20, read, "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," the statement concluded.

The news comes after the queen's son, Prince Charles, and his wife, Duchess Camilla, also tested positive for the virus. A senior royal source previously told Bazaar.com that the Prince of Wales met with the queen just two days before testing positive on February 8.

A number of cases have also been diagnosed among Royal Household members based at Windsor Castle, where the queen resides, per People.

The monarch's first vaccination was made public in January 2021, but officials have chosen to to share further information. According to reports, the queen received her second shot and is fully vaccinated, though it is unknown whether she received a booster vaccination. The news also comes after the queen took a short break from official duties in October 2021, upon her medical team's recommendation to rest.

This past week, the queen carried out a number of official engagements virtually during the week after concerns that she may have been at risk of contracting the virus, per The Guardian. She also hosted visitors in person Wednesday, holding an audience with the incoming defense services secretary and his predecessor at Windsor, per New York Times.

A number of well-wishers, including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, have expressed hope that Queen Elizabeth recovers quickly, with the prime minister tweeting that he looks forward to her "rapid return to vibrant good health."

Quinci LeGardye is an LA-based freelance writer who covers culture, politics, and mental health through a Black feminist lens. When she isn’t writing or checking Twitter, she’s probably watching the latest K-drama or giving a concert performance in her car.

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