Queen works in isolation as she sends message of condolence despite Covid

The 95-year-old monarch is self-isolating at Windsor Castle after testing positive for Covid.

21 February 2022

The Queen has continued with her head of state duties despite having Covid, sending a message of condolence to the Brazilian president.

The 95-year-old monarch has been self-isolating at Windsor Castle, but will be free from Thursday after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced an end to the legal requirement to isolate after a positive test.

Mr Johnson sent the Queen a get well soon message in the Commons, saying: “I know the whole House will join me in sending our best wishes to Her Majesty the Queen for a full and swift recovery.”

He said her diagnosis is “a reminder that this virus has not gone away”.

Those with Covid will still be advised to stay at home for at least five days, but will not be obliged to under law as part of the “living with Covid” plans subject to parliamentary approval.

Continuing with light duties despite suffering from mild cold-like symptoms, the Queen sent her message of condolence on Monday after the flooding in the city of Petropolis.

She wrote: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life and destruction caused by the terrible floods in Brazil.

“My thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost their lives, loved ones and homes, as well as the emergency services and all those working to support the recovery efforts.”

The Queen is expected to hold a telephone audience with Mr Johnson and conduct virtual audiences this week.

Concerns for the nation’s longest reigning sovereign have been heightened given her age and recent health scare.

But the Palace said she will be carrying on with light duties in the coming days.

The Queen holds an audience with Boris Johnson most Wednesdays, either in person or by telephone, and has recently been holding one or two diplomatic audiences a week with ambassadors by video link, and is likely to do so this week if well enough.

She has been following all Covid self-isolating guidelines after testing positive on Sunday.

The Queen will also be working from her red boxes, sent to her every day and containing policy papers, Foreign Office telegrams, letters and other state papers from Government ministers and Commonwealth representatives that have to be read and, where necessary, approved and signed.