A WORKER for the Queen at Buckingham Palace has contracted coronavirus.
They tested positive for the killer bug while the monarch, 93, was still at the London residence.
The Queen, 93, was in residence when the aide tested positive for the killer bug
Her Majesty was sent to Windsor Castle on Thursday soon after the diagnosis, and royal sources say she remains in good health.
The aide, who has not been named, fell ill and tested positive for the virus earlier last week.
Every member of Royal Household staff they came into contact with has since been placed in self-isolation.
It was not known how close the worker got personally to the Queen.
A source said: “The worker tested positive before the Queen left for Windsor. But the Palace has 500 members of staff so, like any workplace, it’s not inconceivable it would be affected in some stage.”
It was understood the staffer is recovering.
A Palace spokesman said: “We wouldn’t comment on individual members of staff.
“In line with the appropriate guidance and our own processes, we have taken the necessary actions to protect all employees and people involved.”
The Queen was whisked to Windsor Castle after the diagnosis
In further developments on Saturday:
- The UK’s coronavirus death toll stood at 233 — after the biggest daily leap in fatalities, with 56 new victims;
- A Government “war room” has been set up, including food retail executives, to tackle panic buying;
- Boris Johnson urged Brits not to see their mums on Mother’s Day today — to shield them from the virus, and;
- NHS boss Stephen Powis said panic buyers “should be ashamed” of depriving nurses of the chance to get food.
The Queen is set to remain in Windsor for the foreseeable future with Prince Philip, 98.
Her Majesty is to give a morale-boosting address on live TV to help steer the nation through the coronavirus crisis.
Royal aides have held talks with 10 Downing Street about the timing of the intervention.
They believe a speech would be hugely important in calming anxiety and strengthening the will of the public to see their way through the dark days ahead.
A No10 source said: “The voice of Her Majesty will provide calm reassurance that, ultimately, we will get through this.”
