Camilla cancels royal appearances this week after testing positive for Covid

The Queen Consort has tested positive for Covid after suffering from cold symptoms, Buckingham Palace has said.

Camilla has cancelled her appearance at events across the country this week – including celebrating Milton Keynes becoming a city – after contracting the virus.

The Queen Consort is said to be in good spirits and resting and is disappointed not to be able to fulfil her engagements.

“With regret, she has therefore cancelled all her public engagements for this week and sends her sincere apologies to those who had been due to attend them.”

Camilla was due to visit Elmhurst Ballet School in Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Tuesday, to celebrate its centenary, and later that day a library in Telford to thank staff and representatives from outreach and voluntary groups for their contribution to the community.

Earlier on Monday, Buckingham Palace had initially said the Queen Consort was suffering from a “seasonal illness” and had postponed her trip to the West Midlands, but was hoping to be well enough to fulfil the rest of her royal engagements this week.

Charles is still planning to visit Milton Keynes on Thursday to celebrate it being awarded city status, as part of the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, but will now travel without his wife.

The Queen Consort caught Covid early last year and had to cancel her appearance at a number of events in the aftermath of the illness.

The Princess Royal deputised for Camilla at the Cheltenham festival last March, as she was pacing herself after overcoming the virus. She also missed a Commonwealth event.