Prince Andrewhas tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be attending events celebratingQueen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee this weekend, the palace announced on Thursday.
The monarch’s second son had been expected to attend Friday’s National Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
“After undertaking a routine test, The Duke has tested positive for Covid and with regret will no longer be attending tomorrow’s service,” a Buckingham Palace spokesman said.
He has seen the Queen in the last few days but has been undertaking regular testing and has not seen her since he tested positive, a source confirms.
The Queenrecovered from COVID-19earlier this year after testing positive in February. She later commented that the virus “doesleave one feeling very tired and exhausted, doesn’t it?”
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While Thursday’s Trooping the Colour was limited to only working members of the royal family appearing on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the traditional flypast, Friday’s service was expected to be alarger gathering of the extended family. Prince Andrew, 62, is no longer a working royal following his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Andrew.Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Prince Andrew retained his title as the Duke of York and kept his place in the line of succession to the throne, which is currently ninth behindPrince HarryandMeghan Markle’s two children. He will no longer use the style “His Royal Highness” in any official capacity.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Andrew.RICHARD POHLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
“It shows she wholeheartedly loves and believes her son,” Jobson, the author ofPrince Philip’s Century. “As she did when she made a statement about Camilla being Queen’s Consort, many people will now accept the Queen’s word and judgment.”
source: people.com
