Royals with Coronavirus

Prince Albert of Monaco. Image from Wikimedia Commons

Coronavirus has gripped the world with fear and it doesn’t choose who to inflict, not even the royals. In fact, a number of them have already been tested positive, including Monaco’s Prince Albert II. Here’s the list of royals of royals afflicted with this pandemic. 

Archduke Karl von Habsburg

The first royal to be tested positive with coronavirus was Archduke of Austria Karl von Habsburg who has been quarantined since Thursday.  Speaking to Austrian TV channel oe24, the head of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine confirmed he had tested positive for the disease. The 59-year-old began to show symptoms last week and called it “annoying”. He also praised the Austrian government for ensuring that “panic is not brought in” by acting “with measure and goal”.

Prince Albert II

Prince Albert II is the monarch to test positive for COVID-19. The sovereign’s condition was made public by Monaco's royal palace. An official statement revealed that Albert was tested at the beginning of the week, and remains in a good state of health. While he is not admitted to a hospital, he is regularly monitored by his physician and specialists at the Princess Grace Hospital Centre. Prince Albert now works in his private apartments but maintains constant communication with members of his cabinet. The prince’s condition also brings fear for Prince Charles’ health since both royals attended the WaterAid Summit on March 10. The heir to the British throne, though, was not in close contact with Albert during the event. He has also been avoiding handshakes and opts for the 'namaste' greeting instead following government advice to dodge unnecessary physical contact.

Princes Antônio, Francisco, and Alberto of Brazil

The members of Brazil’s Imperial House were diagnosed with coronavirus: Prince Antônio, Prince Francisco and Prince Alberto, all above sixty years old. News of this unfortunate incident was announced by Prince Bertrand of Orleans and Bragança. The brothers are now being given medical treatment. Prince Antônio was admitted to a hospital since his case is a bit more serious. The siblings and their families reside in Rio de Janeiro, which was placed under quarantine following the outbreak.

Charles, Prince of Wales

A statement from Clarence House confirmed the condition of the 71-year-old heir to the British throne: "The Prince of Wales has tested positive for Coronavirus.  He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual.  The Duchess of Cornwall has also been tested but does not have the virus. In accordance with Government and medical advice, the Prince and the Duchess are now self-isolating at home in Scotland.  The tests were carried out by the NHS in Aberdeenshire where they met the criteria required for testing."

Princess María Teresa of Bourbon-Parma

Princess María Teresa of Bourbon-Parma was the first royal to succumb to COVID-19 on March 26, 2020. An outspoken academic, the princess holds two doctorate degrees. Her social activism earned her the nickname "Red Princess."