We Stand Ready With You - The Queen's Message Of Calm

Her majesty leads by example as charles reveals he has the virus

- Judy Kean

In normal circumstances Windsor Castle is a hive of activity, particularly when the Queen is in residence.

With more than 100 regular staff members, and others drafted in for occasions such as dinners and receptions, Her Majesty’s favourite royal residence is usually the bustling hub of royal life.

But these are not normal times, and thanks to the coronavirus crisis, the 11th century castle is eerily quiet. The Queen is in lockdown there with her husband Prince Philip, and only eight aides remain to look after the royal couple.

The strict staffing measures come as it was announced last week that Charles, Prince of Wales, has tested positive for the virus. There had been concerns for the heir to the throne after it was revealed he had a March 10 meeting with Prince Albert of Monaco (62), who later publicly disclosed that he also has the virus.

Clarence House said in a statement that Charles (71) was displaying mild symptoms “but otherwise remains in good health.” His 72-year-old wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, has also been tested and the result was negative.

The royal pair are self-isolating at their Birkhall residence on the Balmoral estate in Scotland.

“It is not possible to ascertain from whom the prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks,” the statement said.

It’s believed Charles is still working, albeit from home now, and is in good spirits.

Buckingham Palace has also reassured royal fans that the Queen is “in good health” and hasn’t seen her son since March 12, a brief meeting that her 98-year-old husband wasn’t at.