Prince Charles speaks on 'unprecedented and anxious time' after contracting coronavirus

Prince Charles.
(Image credit: Daniel Leal Olivas - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Prince Charles is offering a hopeful message amid the coronavirus pandemic after recently testing positive for COVID-19 himself.

Charles, heir to the British throne, spoke in a video message on Wednesday after it was announced last week that he had contracted COVID-19. The Prince of Wales in his message said he was lucky in that he had "relatively mild symptoms," and he said that he continues to practice social distancing, although his seven-day period of self-isolation ended earlier this week.

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In addition to Charles, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also announced last week he tested positive for COVID-19, saying his symptoms are mild and he is self-isolating.

Charles went on to reflect on the "strange, frustrating, and distressing experience" of living through the coronavirus pandemic, an "unprecedented and anxious time," saying he and his wife are thinking of those who have lost loved ones. He also praised medical professionals and volunteers for their "utter selfless devotion to duty" that makes "us so very proud."

The video message concludes on an optimistic note as Charles says that "none of us can say when this will end, but end it will," and "until it does, let us try and live with hope and, with faith in ourselves and each other, look forward to better times to come." Brendan Morrow

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Brendan Morrow

Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.