#QueenlyUpdate: Queen Elizabeth II cancels virtual engagements amidst COVID-19 infection

Queen Elizabeth II on a virtual private audience with New Zealand governor-general designate, Dame Cindy Kiro, on October 19, 2021. Image from Wikipedia

Queen Elizabeth II canceled her virtual engagements for Tuesday as she is still experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms from COVID-19, royal officials have said.

In a statement, the palace said, “As Her Majesty is still experiencing mild cold like symptoms she has decided not to undertake her planned virtual engagements today, but will continue with light duties.”

In a statement last Sunday, Buckingham Palace officials revealed that the 95-year-old monarch "is experiencing mild cold like symptoms,” although it was earlier revealed that  it is expected that she will  "continue light duties at Windsor over the coming week." 

"She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all appropriate guidelines," the statement continued.

Soon after the announcement on Sunday about catching Covid, the Queen signed off a message of congratulations to the Winter Olympics GB curling teams and on Monday sent a message of condolence to Brazil after fatal flooding.

The Queen's diagnosis is the latest COVID-19 case to hit the royal household. Prince Charles, contracted the virus for a second time on February 10, and had seen his mother "recently." Days later, his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, also tested positive.

Despite The Queen’s health scare, senior members of the British Royal Family continued with their official engagements. The Duke of Cambridge handed out honours at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday. Prince Charles, on the other hand, visited Hereford Cathedral ahead of a visit to the Duchy of Cornwall's Hereford Estate. 

The Queen's COVID-19 infection came at one more time that the Royal Family has been rocked by issues. Despite the 95-year-old monarch celebrating her Platinum Jubilee this year, The Queen has recently had to deal with Prince Andrew's settlement with his sexual assault accuser. Then, here's Prince Charles who faces police inquiries following cash-for-honors allegation  and Prince Harry who is suing the Home Office for removing his police protection detail on visits to the UK.  

With this crisis after crisis, will The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year be another "annus horribilis"?