Dr Hilary says Prince Charles ‘not out of the woods yet’ despite ‘mild’ coronavirus symptoms

DR Hilary has said Prince Charles is "not out of the woods yet" after he tested positive for coronavirus.

Clarence House confirmed the 71-year-old royal is infected withe COVID-19, but has only got mild symptoms.

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Dr Hilary told The Sun today: "Prince Charles, aged 71, has tested positive. I would like to know how he managed to get a test by the way when healthcare professionals on the front line are still not able to get tested.

"It's absolutely right that healthcare professionals are in the forefront of testing.

"So when one of the members of our monarchy is affected with this yes this could affect anybody.

"No, he's got symptoms i understand that are mild. most people have mild to moderate symptoms and those will clear up within 7-14 days.

"So he's not out of the woods, he needs to have that period of self isolation to see if he feels better completely or whether things deteriorate. But he will know over the next few days whether things are not going his way and he's not improving."

The future king had been displaying mild  but remains in "good health" after being diagnosed with the bug on Monday night.

Camilla, 72, tested negative for the virus, with the couple now self-isolating at their home in Balmoral, Scotland.

It is believed he suffered mild symptoms over the weekend while at Highgrove House in Gloucester and flew privately to Scotland on Sunday night where he was tested on Monday.

It is understood he is in good spirits and remains up and about.

Buckingham Palace has since confirmed the Queen remains in "good health" after heading to Windsor last Thursday with Prince Philip a week earlier than planned.

Charles most recently saw the Queen "briefly" on March 12. Medical experts believe the earliest Charles would have been contagious was March 13.

Dr Hilary added: "This virus is a great leveller. It will be just as virulent for politicians and celebrities and the monarchy as it will the homeless and destitute. This respects no boundaries of wealth or privileged or whatever.

"[On the Queen and Prince Philip] Well what we know from data around the world is that people in their 90s are very vulnerable.

"They need to keep well away from everyone else. They don't want any visitors coming in and i suppose that will apply to their courtiers."

Confirming the news today, Clarence House said: "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."

Another six members of staff now isolating with them.

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Clarence House added: "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.

“It is not possible to ascertain from whom the Prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks."

A spokesman for Buckingham Palace said: "Her Majesty the Queen remains in good health.

"The Queen last saw the Prince of Wales briefly after the investiture on the morning of the 12th March and is following all the appropriate advice with regard to her welfare."

They will not comment on whether the Queen has been tested for coronavirus.

Prince William remains in Norfolk meaning the heirs to the throne are not in physical contact.

Today the UK death toll climbed to 427 — with 8,077 confirmed cases.

NHS leaders warned London could run out of intensive care beds in just four days, while ex-Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said there could be one million cases by next week.

Most Brits followed new lockdown rules yesterday. And couples were told to move in together or go celibate.

The new army of 250,000 NHS helpers will supplement local groups - an app allows people to sign up and become an NHS Volunteer Responder.

Mr Hancock said: "We are seeking a quarter of a million volunteers, people in good health, to help the NHS, for shopping, for delivery of medicines and to support those who are shielded to protect their own health.

"The NHS responders is a new scheme set up so that people can come and help and make sure the NHS and the local services that are needed can get all the support that they can."

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