Queen Elizabeth II
Credit: Chris Jackson – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

On Sunday, Buckingham Palace announced that Queen Elizabeth II tested positive to COVID-19 and is currently experiencing “cold-like” symptoms.

“Buckingham Palace confirm that the queen has today tested positive for Covid,” the palace said in a statement. “Her Majesty is experiencing mild, coldlike symptoms but expects to continue light duties at Windsor over the coming week. She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines.”

It is believed that the 95-year-old is fully vaccinated against the respiratory illness. It comes after she met with her son and current heir to the throne, Prince Charles, who was unknowingly infected with the virus until testing positive 10 days ago. His wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, confirmed she too had the virus.

According to a source for CNNthere is a small outbreak circulating throughout Windsor Castle but it is not known who has tested positive. “A number of cases have been diagnosed in the Windsor Castle team,” the insider said.

On Twitter, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson responded to the news. “I’m sure I speak for everyone in wishing Her Majesty The Queen a swift recovery from Covid and a rapid return to vibrant good health,” he wrote. Johnson contracted COVID-19 in 2020 and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit during his illness.

Queen Elizabeth was hidden away for much of the pandemic and had resumed in-person affairs just a few days ago. In October, she cancelled a planned trip to Northern Ireland after spending her first night in hospital in many years – which was allegedly due to “exhaustion”.

This month the monarch celebrated the 70th anniversary of her succession to the throne. She turns 96 in April.

It was just 10 months ago when Prince Philip passed away, aged 99. The Queen was also forced to isolate in her home during his funeral from fear of contracting the virus.

More to come.