Questions over prince’ s treatment

SIR, – The news that Prince Charles had been confirmed as suffering from a mild form of coronavirus perhaps comes as little surprise, given the large number of public engagements he has recently undertaken. What is particularly concerning, however, is the fact that he travelled north to Birkhall the previous weekend and was apparently ill enough to be tested the following day. Was it simply a remarkable coincidence that he fell ill the day after his arrival, or was it more likely that he was already unwell when he set off ?

If so, this would seem to be extremely irresponsible behaviour, at a time when the whole country has been placed on lockdown and people are being exhorted not to

travel to Scotland. Additionally, the prince doesn’t travel alone, being accompanied by assorted members of the royal household, police bodyguards and so on.

The other issue of concern is why, given his symptoms are described as “mild”, was he tested by the already hard-pressed NHS, when he has easy access to his personal physicians? According to Clarence House, both he and Camilla (who was also tested but came back negative) met the criteria required for testing. Unsurprisingly, NHS Grampian confirmed it was “clear” that the tests had been carried out for clinical reasons.

It is difficult not to reach the conclusion that Prince Charles received a prompt diagnosis because he is heir to the throne, something which we all could accept. To suggest he qualified to receive that treatment at the hands of the NHS appears to be an attempt to make him look like “one of Jock Tamson’s bairns”, which he most certainly is not. Nevertheless, we wish him well.

Mike Masson, Cherry Tree Road,

Banchory, Aberdeenshire