Mystery over where Charles caught virus

MSP asks why others cannot be tested

PRINCE CHARLES, who has tested positive for coronavirus, could have contracted it at any number of events over recent weeks as he carried out official Royal duties.

As health warnings were stepped up, the heir to the throne has followed national advice and discreetly withdrawn from public events.

He last attending a fundraising dinner on March 12 in support of Australian bush fire relief.

It is understood his last private meeting with the Queen was that same day. Prince Philip was not in attendance.

Charles, 71, is said to be in “good health” as he self-isolates in Scotland, while Camilla, 72, is also said to be self-isolating, although she has tested negative.

Charles fell ill over the weekend and a source said his doctor’s most conservative estimate was he was contagious on March 13.

There has been surprise that the Prince of Wales was able to access testing for Covid-19 on the NHS, given that he is said to be suffering “mild symptoms.”

Joan McAlpine, Scottish National Party MSP, said that she wishes Charles a speedy recovery, but added: “Given that his symptoms are said to be mild, like many I wonder how he was tested when many NHS and social care workers cannot get tested.

“My nephew, who has serious asthma and a chest infection was recently refused a test.”

Clarence House confirmed

that Charles and Camilla were tested by NHS staff in Aberdeenshire, where they are staying, as “they met the criteria required for testing”. It also said Charles is experiencing “mild symptoms”.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she has sent her best wishes to the Prince of Wales.

Joan McAlpine, Scottish National Party MSP.

He has attended a large number of royal engagements over the course of recent weeks, meeting with the Prime Minister and with the Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney.

Charles will also have met hundreds of members of the public carrying out his official duties, including through an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on March 5, where he presented awards to dozens of recipients.

The Queen had done so just a few days earlier but, unlike previous ceremonies, she had worn long white gloves. At the time, Buckingham Palace declined to confirm whether the 93-yearold was taking the precaution because of the coronavirus outbreak.

At Westminster Abbey, the Prince had his last public meeting with the Queen as they attended a Commonwealth Day service. Also present were the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the Sussexes were making their last official appearance before stepping down as senior royals.

Charles and most other members of the Royal Family were following advice to avoid shaking hands to stop the potential spread of the virus. The following day – March 10 – he met Prince Albert of Monaco at a WaterAid event in central London. Charles sat opposite Albert who announced on March 19 that he had contracted the virus.

On March 11, during a day of private events, Charles greeted Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly with a namaste gesture (bowing, clasping hands) at the Prince’s Trust Awards.

ENGAGEMENTS:

I wonder how he was tested when NHS workers can’t get tested.