SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM: Please consider donating to keep our website running and free for all - thank you!

CoronavirusPrince & Princess of Wales

The Duke of Cambridge jokes about coronavirus during visit to Dublin

The Duke of Cambridge has cracked several jokes about the spread of coronavirus during the first evening reception of his official visit to Ireland. During an event in Dublin, Prince William asked whether the media coverage around Covid-19 was dramatic and went on to laugh that he and Kate might be accused of spreading the condition on their travels.

The duke was speaking to a paramedic during a reception at the Guinness Warehouse in Dublin as day one of the royal visit came to an end. In conversation with Joe Mooney, the second in line to the throne said ”I bet everyone’s like I’ve got coronavirus and you’re like no, you’ve just got a cough”.

The prince went on to discuss the widespread coverage in media around the world about the virus. He asked ”does it seem to be quite dramatic about coronavirus at the moment?” and then questioned whether the situation was being hyped up.

William also joked that ”the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are spreading coronavirus” before adding ”sorry” with a smile.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also shunned any possibility of limiting contact with those they met during their visit as a precautionary measure against the virus. They insisted on continuing to shake hands with all those they met and that policy is set to continue during day two of their visit to Ireland.

On Tuesday, the Queen took the unusual step of wearing gloves while carrying out an investiture at Buckingham Palace. And it has also been revealed that the Countess of Wessex was screened for coronavirus as she arrived in South Sudan for her historic visit to the country earlier this week.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.