Prince Albert II Of Monaco Tests Positive For Coronavirus

The coronavirus has reached the royals!

According to a statement from the Palace of Monaco, Prince Albert II of Monaco tested positive for COVID-19, making him the first royal family member to contract the virus.

In the statement to the Associated Press, which was released on Thursday, officials said the 62-year-old prince is being treated by doctors from the Princess Grace Hospital, and that there’s no reason to be concerned for Albert’s health or the health of his 5-year-old twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.

Albert plans to continue working from his home office, the statement noted. But he’s been quite the social butterfly over the past few weeks.

The news comes nine days after Prince Al sat across from Prince Charles at WaterAid’s Water and Climate event at Kings Place in London. There, the 71-year-old Prince of Wales gave a speech and discussed using global efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Naturally, the British royal family has been extra careful amid the pandemic. As we reported, Princess Beatrice and her fiancé, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, have postponed their May 29 wedding.

Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth II will be social distancing for quite some time: Her Majesty made major changes to her schedule in the coming months, including canceling five scheduled garden parties and postponing other big events.

For their part, Prince William and Kate Middleton have temporarily transitioned their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte to home-schooling. Moreover, Charles and his son Prince Harry were among the many who politely steered clear of handshakes at the Commonwealth Service on March 9.

The most socially distant of the royals, of course, is Harry, who has been self-isolating with his wife Meghan Markle at their new home in Canada with their 10-month-old son, Archie. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a heartfelt statement about the pandemic on Instagram this week, writing:

“These are uncertain times. And now, more than ever, we need each other. We need each other for truth, for support, and to feel less alone during a time that can honestly feel quite scary. There are so many around the world who need support right now, who are working tirelessly to respond to this crisis behind the scenes, on the frontline, or at home. Our willingness, as a people, to step up in the face of what we are all experiencing with COVID-19 is awe-inspiring. This moment is as true a testament there is to the human spirit.”

We hope everyone — royals and commoners alike — continues to stay safe!

[Image via WENN]