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British RoyalsCoronavirus

Prince William reveals his worry over Prince Charles’ coronavirus diagnosis

William, Duke of Cambridge

The Duke of Cambridge has spoken for the first time about his worries in the days after his father was confirmed to have coronavirus. And Prince William said he remains anxious for his grandparents, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, as the pandemic continues.

William was speaking to the BBC about the mental health impact of the coronavirus outbreak when he revealed his own concerns for his family. Speaking of the moment he found out that the Prince of Wales had tested positive for coronavirus, William said “I have to admit, at first I was quite concerned” and added his worries were underlined by his father’s age, saying ” he fits the profile of somebody, at the age he is at, which is fairly risky”.

But the Duke of Cambridge went on to say that he had always remained optimistic that Prince Charles would make a full recovery as the heir to the throne had experienced past chest infections and got over them. And he went on ”I thought to myself, if anyone is going to be able to beat this, it’s going to be him”.

The duke spoke of his relief that his father had only experienced mild symptoms of the virus and said that the heir to the throne had found it challenging to rest up as ”he’s a mad walker…so I think he found it quite difficult”.

However, Prince William revealed he was still concerned for his grandparents who are now in isolation at Windsor Castle. The prince told the BBC that the Queen, who will be 94 next week, and the Duke of Edinburgh, 98, are doing everything they can to keep themselves protected and safe.

And the couple revealed that the whole family is keeping in touch by video link with Catherine admitting that she’s having to take the technology away from Prince Louis whose eagerness to be involved can lead to hiccups.

The remarks came as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spoke about the impact that the pandemic and the lockdown measures currently in place could have on mental health. Kate urged everyone to look after their psychological and emotional wellbeing as much as their physical health while William said it was important that people who need mental health support keep reaching out for it.

And the couple were full of praise for the work being done by the NHS. They’ve spent the past few weeks speaking to people across the health and support sector by phone and videolink and said they were making the whole country proud with their devotion and bravery. And they urged everyone to understand the impact that would have on the mental health of those working on the front line, saying they need support now and in the future.

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.