Prince Charles: How long will he have to self-isolate?

Prince Charles, 73, has tested positive for COVID for the second time, announced Clarence House on Thursday, 10 February at 1 pm on Twitter. There is no comment on his condition.

The Prince of Wales will be self-isolating starting today. At the time, it is not known whether Camilla has also tested positive for COVID. Both Prince Charles and Camila received their three doses of the vaccine.

What are the self-isolation rules?

With the current COVID restrictions in the UK, those who test positive have to self-isolate for five full days, at least. They can then stop self-isolating after five days on the condition that they have ‘two negative LFD test results taken on consecutive days,’ according to the government website. The LFTs should be taken after five days of having tested positive or after symptoms have started showing.

The self-isolation period remains at ten days for those who do not manage to receive negative results from their LFTs taken one day apart.

The government also advises ‘people who currently live in the same household as someone with COVID-19 symptoms, or with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 by a LFT or PCR test’ to self-isolate as well.

According to these rules, Camilla should be self-isolating alongside Prince Charles, butReutersreports that Camilla was seen ‘performing engagements on Thursday in London.’

Read more:

⋙ Kate Middleton self-isolates after contact with COVID-19 case

⋙ Breaking: Princess Anne in isolation after husband tests positive for COVID

⋙ COVID-19: Isolation period to be slashed from 7 to 5 days in England

Current restrictions are set to end on 24 March, but PM Boris Johnson has recently told MPs he is hoping all COVID restrictions, including self-isolation rules, could be scrapped as early as the end of February. The new government strategy will be unveiled after parliamentary recess, on 21 February.

Who will take over Prince Charles’ duties?

While Prince Charles is in isolation for at least five days and at most ten days, it is still not known who will be taken over his royal duties. The Prince of Wales has already cancelled all scheduled appearances, including a statue unveiling in Winchester. He is said to be ‘deeply disappointed’ to not be partaking in this event.

According to the royal line of succession, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, is second in line to the throne, after his father, and should take over all royal duties when the Prince of Wales is absent.