Prince Charles 'out' of coronavirus quarantine as Camilla remains in self-isolation

Prince Charles has ended his seven-day period of self-isolation after last week testing positive for coronavirus, officials revealed on Monday.

“Clarence House has confirmed today that, having consulted with his doctor, the Prince of Wales is now out of self-isolation,” read a statement.

Prince Charles in ‘good health’

The heir to the British throne, 71, was confirmed as having contracted COVID-19 last Tuesday when he took a test in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

He and his wife Camilla, 72, had arrived at Birkhall, their summer retreat on the Queen’s Balmoral estate, on Sunday 22 March, and as he experienced ‘mild symptoms’ they were both tested for the virus.

He was confirmed to have it while Camilla tested negative, and the husband and wife began self-isolating separately in different parts of their home.

It’s understood that Charles has since made a full recovery and sources close to him say he is in “good health,” according to People.

Why is Camilla still in self-isolation?

Despite her husband being given the all-clear to end quarantine, the Duchess of Cornwall will continue to self-isolate until she reaches the 14-day recommendation.

According to UK government guidelines, those who get symptoms of coronavirus, which can include a fever, cough and loss of taste and smell, should self-isolate for seven days.

The guidance also states a whole household should isolate for two weeks if one person gets symptoms.

Prince ‘not bedridden’

Charles was reported to have been working and in ‘good spirits’ throughout his period of self-isolation, at his desk in Birkhall on the Balmoral estate.

He was not bedridden and conducted meetings by telephone, including one with former UK Labour leadership candidate David Miliband.

Miliband is now president and chief executive of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), and Charles is a patron of the IRC’s UK arm.

He told Sky News last Thursday: “I had a scheduled call with the Prince of Wales yesterday. Obviously getting the news in the morning of his coronavirus situation made me wonder whether he would postpone but he went ahead with the call.

“He was in very good spirits – he was obviously very engaged with the situation facing people in the UK.”

Royal testing backlash

Officials in Scotland defended the decision to test the heir to the throne at a time when frontline NHS staff were not yet being routinely tested.

The UK’s chief medical officer said Charles was tested because he met the criteria, saying it was for ‘clinical reasons’.

There have been concerns about the Queen’s health but she is reported to be unaffected, having not seen her son since March 12, a day before his doctor estimates he became contagious.

Royal events cancelled

The royal family is following government guidance on coronavirus, with Charles continuing to work from home as is his son, Prince William, and daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton from their home, Anmer Hall.

The Cambridge’s children, six-year-old Prince George and Princess Charlotte, 4, have reportedly been removed from their elite South London private school and have begun home-schooling.

Most royal engagements have been cancelled or postponed for the foreseeable future including Prince Harry’s Invictus Games, originally planned for May, and June’s Trooping the Colour.

Buckingham Palace confirming on Friday that the annual event would not go ahead in the traditional way, but plans are being made to mark the Queen’s 94th birthday.

Additional reporting by Rebecca Taylor.

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