Scotland's Top Doctor Hinted Prince Charles Was Tested for Coronavirus Because of Pre-Existing Health Issues
Scotland's chief medical officer, Dr Catherine Calderwood, hinted that Charles and Camilla were tested for coronavirus because of pre-existing health issues.
![The Prince Of Wales And Duchess Of Cornwall Visit The Cayman Islands](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mLsMGa3zyWbfK2pq7XX3g7-415-80.jpg)
- Prince Charles has tested positive for coronavirus, a royal spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday.
- News that he received the test despite "mild symptoms" triggered outrage among some, as shortages prevent frontline healthcare workers from getting tested.
- Scotland's chief medical officer, Dr Catherine Calderwood, hinted that Charles and Camilla were tested because of pre-existing health issues, saying, "My understanding is there were very good reasons for that person and his wife to be tested."
- Clarence House, Charles' royal household, declined to comment on the speculation.
Coronavirus test shortages in the UK have prevented even healthcare professionals working at the forefront of the pandemic from being tested; thus, when a royal spokesperson announced Prince Charles tested positive after displaying "mild symptoms," some argued that the royal's wealth and status granted him preferential treatment. But Scotland's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Catherine Calderwood, hinted that Charles and Camilla may have had underlying health issues that made them extra vulnerable to the virus, during an appearance on BBC Radio Scotland.
"My understanding is there were very good reasons for that person and his wife to be tested," Dr. Calderwood said, as the Telegraph reports, adding, "Obviously I wouldn't be able to disclose anything else that I know because of patient confidentiality."
According to royal correspondent Richard Palmer, Clarence House declined to comment on whether Charles and Camilla received the test because of pre-existing health issues.
No comment today from Clarence House on a hint from Scotland’s chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood that Prince Charles and Camilla might have underlying medical conditions that made testing them for coronavirus a priority.March 26, 2020
The U.K.'s minister of state for health, Edward Argar, also denied that Charles received a COVID-19 test because of his royal status. Speaking to Sky News, he said, "My understanding is that his symptoms, his condition, met that criteria."
"The Prince of Wales did not jump the queue," Argar said.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
RELATED STORIES
Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.
-
Our Complete Quiet Luxury Shopping Guide
30 quality closet classics that always have—and always will—endure.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Kaia Gerber and Cindy Crawford Medal in Mother-Daughter Olympic Matching
The pair touched down in Paris wearing coordinating navy looks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Prince Harry Reveals Royal Family Rift Was Worsened by Tabloids
"Yeah, that’s certainly a central piece to it."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Did Prince William Remove Queen Camilla's Sister From His Payroll?
She was hired by King Charles in 2005.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
After Meeting a Teenage Prince William for the First Time, Then Camilla Parker-Bowles Quipped “I Need a Gin and Tonic,” Royal Author Writes
Still largely known as “the other woman,” Camilla was “decidedly anxious” about meeting the future king.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Lady Diana Spencer Made This Telling Change to Her Wedding Vows to Prince Charles After Discovering He Was Still Carrying On an Emotional Affair with Camilla Parker-Bowles
Diana wanted to cancel the wedding entirely, but her sisters talked her out of it.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Could You Imagine Prince William and Prince Harry As Prince Arthur and Prince Albert? Had King Charles Had His Way, That’d Be the Reality
For better or worse, Princess Diana won out when it came to naming her sons.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Royals, Paul McCartney, Nicola Coughlan, Salma Hayek... Was Taylor Swift's London Eras Tour Her Most Star-Studded Yet?
Imagine all the people........
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Kate Middleton Confirms She Will Attend Trooping the Colour in a Heartfelt Update on Her Cancer Treatment
"I am making good progress."
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
Queen Elizabeth Apparently Gave Camilla Parker-Bowles Sage Advice on Her Wedding Day to Prince Charles, Which Camilla Ignored—and Later Regretted
Though the subject matter at hand may be surprising, according to lip readers, Camilla said not heeding her mother-in-law’s advice “really wasn’t a very good idea.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Lip Readers Decode the Advice Queen Elizabeth Gave Princess Diana on the Buckingham Palace Balcony the Day Diana Married Prince Charles
Lip readers have also deduced what Charles said to his bride while at the altar at St. Paul’s Cathedral 43 years ago this summer.
By Rachel Burchfield Published