Queen Elizabeth II cancels virtual engagements amid mild Covid symptoms

According to Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth II postponed her planned virtual engagements on Tuesday because she is still suffering from moderate Covid-19 effects.

The virus has infected the 95-year-old monarch, according to the palace.

Also read: What are the sanctions Russia is facing over the Ukraine crises?

“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,” the palace said.

Light responsibilities are likely to allude to her duties as head of state, such as reading and responding to documents and letters she receives everyday in her famous red despatch boxes.

According to a CNN source close to the palace, the Queen’s additional commitments for the coming week will be decided closer to the time.

Also read: UK sanctions Russian banks and wealthy individuals, warns of tougher actions

Given her elderly age and health concerns late last year, Queen’s health has been restored. Despite testing positive for the coronavirus on Sunday, she has continued to work, sending a message of condolence to the Brazilian people following Monday’s flooding.

The Queen’s diagnosis is the most recent case of Covid in the royal family. Prince Charles, the eldest son and heir to the British monarchy, caught the virus for the second time on February 10 after seeing his mother “recently.” Camilla, his wife, tested positive a few days later.

In addition, a royal insider informed CNN on Sunday that the Windsor Castle team had lately been “a number of cases … diagnosed in the Windsor Castle team.”

Also read: ‘Dark day in Europe’: UK plans sanctions on Russia, sees signs of invasion

According to claims in the UK media, the Queen has been fully vaccinated. According to Buckingham Palace, the monarch and her late husband, Prince Philip, both received their first doses of the Covid-19 vaccine in January 2021. The palace has declined to reveal any information regarding further vaccinations, claiming medical privacy concerns.

The Queen, who celebrated her 70th year as the British monarch on February 6, had just recently resumed in-person engagements after taking a break on physicians’ recommendation to relax following a secret overnight hospital visit in October.

Also read: Boris Johnson scraps remaining COVID restrictions in England

She’s been seen using a walking staff on multiple occasions in recent months, and she mentioned her mobility at a recent event. “Well, as you can see, I can’t move,” she said during an audience with two military secretaries in the Oak Room at Windsor Castle, referring to her leg. She was believed to be slightly stiff rather than injured or ill, according to a royal source at the time.

She also has plans to attend a number of big events next month, including a diplomatic reception on March 2 at Windsor Castle, the annual Commonwealth Service on March 14 at Westminster Abbey, and a service of gratitude for Prince Philip on March 29 at the same location.

In June, she will celebrate her Platinum Jubilee across the country.