This Tuesday (1st), Queen Elizabeth II resumed her commitments by participating in two virtual audiences with the ambassadors of Andorra and Chad. The activities mark the return of the monarch, who had her schedule suspended since February 20, when she was diagnosed with Covid-19.
This was the Queen’s first official engagement after the period of isolation. Earlier, she was visited by Prince William, Kate Middleton and their three children outdoors at Windsor Castle.
According to Buckingham Palace, Elizabeth, 95, had only mild symptoms of the disease. In the announcement of the diagnosis, the forecast was that the monarch would keep light appointments, but they had to be postponed as symptoms persisted.
Even in isolation, the queen spoke about the tragedy in Petrópolis (RJ) with a message on social media, whose text was also sent to President Jair Bolsonaro (PL). As of this Monday (28), the death toll in the city had risen to 229, while 20 people are still missing.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost their lives, loved ones and homes, as well as emergency services and all those who work to support recovery efforts,” Elizabeth said in the message.
In February, ten days before the Queen’s announcement, Prince Charles, 73, had been diagnosed with Covid-19 for the second time. His wife, Camilla Parker-Bowles, 74, also contracted the virus, according to an announcement made by Clarence House, the prince’s official residence, a few days later. Charles was with his mother two days before he found out about the reinfection.
Following the disclosure of the monarch’s Covid diagnosis, leaders such as Boris Johnson (British Prime Minister), Tedros Adhanom (Director of the World Health Organization) and Sadiq Khan (Mayor of London) sent messages wishing the Queen’s recovery.
The health of Elizabeth, who turns 70 in 2022, has been of increasing concern since October last year, when she had to spend a night in hospital for tests. It was the monarch’s first hospitalization since 2013.
At the time, the queen was instructed by doctors to cancel participation in public acts to rest. Even so, she was seen driving alone around her property at Windsor Castle, against a doctor’s recommendation of forced bed rest for two weeks.
Elizabeth II resumed her public engagement schedule more than three months later, on February 5, the eve of her Platinum Jubilee, when she met charity workers at Sandringham House and cut a celebratory cake.
In June, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Elizabeth II on the throne, four days of national celebrations are planned.
