The Sovereign Prince of Monaco has been diagnosed with coronavirus. In a short statement, the Prince’s Palace in Monaco said Albert II had tested positive for Covid-19 but his health wasn’t giving cause for undue concern.
The diagnosis comes just days after Albert spoke to the people of Monaco, announcing new restrictive measures to try and stop the spread of the virus. In a live broadcast, also shared on Facebook, the Sovereign Prince said that only journeys to work and trips to food stores or the doctors would be allowed from March 18th 2020. And he thanked all those working to halt the virus and treat those affected for their efforts.
Prince Albert spoke to the people of Monaco just hours after holding his fourth meeting with officials about the outbreak of Covid-19. Monaco’s royals have shared regular updates about the Prince’s involvement in the official approach to the pandemic with Albert taking a major part in the discussions.
On March 10th 2020, he had been in London where he was present at an event for WaterAid which was also attended by the Prince of Wales. On March 8th 2020, he and his wife, Princess Charlene, attended the Episcopal Ordination of the new Archbishop of Monaco, Dominique-Marie David.
Albert II became Prince of Monaco in 2005, succeeding his father, Prince Rainier III. He had served as Regent in the days before Rainer’s death. He married Charlene Wittstock in 2011 and the couple welcomed twins in December 2014. Hereditary Prince Jacques and his sister, Princess Gabriella, are now five.
