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Camilla Parker Bowles' ex-husband Andrew reportedly tests positive for COVID-19

Camilla Parker Bowles’ ex-husband Andrew has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19, sparking fears for certain members of the royal family including the Queen’s only daughter.

Andrew, 80, told the UK’s Daily Telegraph that he caught the virus two weeks ago while at the Cheltenham Festival, an annual four-day horse racing event that this year drew a 250,000 strong crowd.

Accompanying Andrew to at least one day of the event — which went ahead on March 10 despite the worsening coronavirus crisis — were Anne, Princess Royal, 69, and her daughter Zara Tindall.

Andrew Parker-Bowles and Princess Anne, Princess Royal attend day 1 'Champion Day' of the Cheltenham Festival 2020 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 10, 2020 in Cheltenham, England.
Andrew Parker-Bowles reportedly contracted COVID-19 at the Cheltenham Festival, which he attended with Anne, Princess Royal on March 10. Photo: Getty Images.

Fears for royals

Camilla’s former husband — they divorced in 1995 after over two decades of marriage — experienced symptoms of the respiratory illness after the event, sparking concern for both Anne and Zara who he was in close proximity to.

“The former army officer was seen kissing the Princess Royal and her daughter Zara Phillips was photographed draped over his shoulder,” Daily Telegraph reported on Wednesday.

The royal family have not commented on the Princess Royal or Zara’s health.

Andrew Parker Bowles, Zara Tindall and Princess Anne, Princess Royal attend day 1 'Champion Day' of the Cheltenham Festival 2020 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 10, 2020 in Cheltenham, England.
Anne's daughter Zara Tindall places her hand on Andrew's shoulder at the Cheltenham Festival on March 10. Photo: Getty Images.

Anne and Andrew’s former romance

Andrew Parker Bowles was the then-Princess Anne’s first boyfriend in 1970, but the pair soon broke up with Andrew going on to wed Camilla Shand who was also Anne’s brother Prince Charles’ mistress.

Camilla, 72, later became Charles’ second wife while Anne and Andrew remained close friends, attending horse racing events together throughout the years.

Andrew is also godfather to Zara Tindal (née Phillips) who at 38 years old is the Queen’s eldest grandchild.

Princess Royal with Andrew Parker Bowles during day two of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Anne and Andrew were also spotted together on day two of the Cheltenham Festival. Photo: Getty Images.

Prince Charles’ COVID-19 scare

Despite experiencing ‘very mild symptoms’ Prince Charles has opened up about the ‘distressing’ side of his COVID-19 diagnosis in a video message shared online.

The 71-year-old heir to the British throne was cleared to leave self-isolation seven days after testing positive but is reportedly continuing to live separately from his wife Camilla at Birkhall in Scotland.

“As we are all learning, this is a strange, frustrating and often distressing experience when the presence of family and friends is no longer possible and the normal structures of life are suddenly removed,” he said.

Camilla, who did not test positive for coronavirus, is said to still be in self-isolation until she reaches the 14-day recommendation.

The Prince Of Wales, The Duchess Of Cornwall & Andrew Parker Bowles Attend The Wedding Of Laura Parker Bowles & Harry Lopes At St Cyriacs Church, Lacock, Wiltshire.
Andrew Parker Bowles (far left) with his ex-wife Camilla and Prince Charles at their daughter Laura Parker Bowles' 2006 wedding. Photo: Getty Images.

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