
- Prince William tested positive for COVID-19 (opens in new tab) back in April, shortly after father Prince Charles contracted the virus (opens in new tab), the BBC reports.
- William was "hit pretty hard" and was reportedly "struggling to breathe," an insider said.
- The Duke of Cambridge kept his diagnosis private because he "didn't want to worry anyone."
Prince William tested positive for COVID-19 in April, shortly after father Prince Charles announced in March that he had contracted the virus (opens in new tab), the BBC reports (opens in new tab). A palace source confirmed William's diagnosis to the BBC, though Kensington Palace declined to issue an official comment.
According to the Sun (opens in new tab), William spoke to an observer at a public engagement about keeping his positive test a secret, saying, "There were important things going on and I didn’t want to worry anyone." He was reportedly treated by palace doctors and isolated at Anmer Hall, Norfolk, but continued his official duties, carrying out 14 virtual engagements throughout April.
A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@dukeandduchessofcambridge) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
An inside source told the Sun that William was "hit pretty hard by the virus," adding, "At one stage he was struggling to breathe, so obviously everyone around him was pretty panicked."
"After seeing medics and testing positive—which was obviously quite a shock given how fit and healthy he is—William was determined it should be business as usual though," the insider continued. "He was determined to fulfil his engagements."
William reportedly feared that publicly announcing his COVID-19 diagnosis would send the U.K. into "panic mode," the Sun reports. "The Queen delivered her 'We Will Meet Again' address, and he just didn't want to worry people," an insider said. "He felt there were more important things going on in the country."
"But as a result of his own experiences, he realises absolutely anyone can catch this awful disease—and knows how imperative it is that we all take this second lockdown (opens in new tab) [which the U.K. will enter on Thursday] seriously," the source finished.
RELATED STORIES
Prince Charles Tested Positive for Coronavirus (opens in new tab)
Prince William Just Gave a Super Candid Interview (opens in new tab)
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.
-
24 Hours With John Legend
The singer, record producer, husband, and entrepreneur reveals how he maintains youthful, glowing skin.
By Deena Campbell
-
What Is Co-Washing, and How Do You Do It? Experts Weigh In
Skip the shampoo.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
Digital Lavender Is About to Be the Biggest Color of the Year
Barbiecore got a "Lavender Haze"-inspired makeover.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
Princess Eugenie's New Baby Will Allow the Royal Family to "Put Behind Them a Year of Sorrow and Conflict," Astrologer Says
All good things!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry "Should Have Been Prince William's Wingman," Has Become His "Hitman" Instead, Royal Expert Says
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
There's No Chance of Reconciliation Between Prince Harry and His Family "In the Short Term," Royal Expert Claims
Urgh.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Likely to Feel "Overwhelmed" by Her Responsibilities This Year, Astrologer Says
...relatable.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Will "Be Able to Build Bridges" With Certain Members of the Royal Family in 2023, Astrologer Claims
We shall see.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Just Revealed Her Workout Routine Involves Trampolining With Her Kids
I love this.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry's Memoir Hasn't "Had a Profound Effect" on Princess Kate, Body Language Expert Claims
She didn't let it get to her.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kim Kardashian Bought Princess Diana's Amethyst Cross for $200k, And Now It's an Amazing Meme
I'm sorry for laughing.
By Iris Goldsztajn