Staff at Windsor Castle have also caught Covid, as The Queen plans to return to royal duties

The Queen is planning to return to royal duties despite having Covid, amid revelations the virus has spread throughout the royal household.

Several staff members of Windsor Castle have caught Covid, as The Queen prepares to return to light duties after catching the virus.

The staff members all get regular Covid tests, as does The Queen, and are isolating away from the castle

The monarch, 95, will reportedly meet virtually with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday, for her regularly weekly update.

Queen Elizabeth will also meet with foreign ambassadors via video call, per The Guardian, and she issued a public statement to the people of Brazil, after flooding in Petrópolis. “I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life and destruction caused by the terrible floods in Brazil,” the Queen said in a statement.

“My thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost their lives, loved ones and homes, as well as the emergency services and all those working to support the recovery efforts.”

She remains in self-isolation within Buckingham Palace after testing positive to Covid-19, with the palace saying she had “mild cold-like symptoms”.

ROYAL CONTINGENCY PLAN

The Queen’s recent health issues have reignited debate over which members of her family will carry out her official duties when she is unwell.

There are four current Counsellors of State – Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Harry, and Prince Andrew. Two are future kings – but the inclusion of disgraced Prince Andrew, who recently settled a sex assault case out of court, and Prince Harry, who is suing the Home Office over his security arrangements, has left royal commentators and constitutional experts calling for change.

At present, the spouse of the monarch and the next four people in the line of succession aged over 21 automatically become Counsellors of State.

The Queen has tested positive for Covid, Buckingham Palace confirmed. Picture: AFP

A description of the positions on the Royal Family’s website reads: “In the event that The Queen cannot undertake her official duties as Sovereign temporarily due to illness or absence abroad, two or more Counsellors of State are appointed by Letters Patent to act in Her Majesty’s place.”

Buckingham Palace on Monday revealed the 95-year-old monarch has Covid, but so far only has mild symptoms, and is isolating at Windsor Castle, where she will return to light duties later in the week.

But while aides say there is no immediate concern for her health, they are acutely aware the havoc Covid can play on someone of her age – and how quickly things can change.

Dr Craig Prescott, an expert in UK constitutional law, said it was “inevitable” Prince Andrew will be removed after settling with Virginia Roberts Giuffre.

“They could draft in Princess Anne or Prince Edward and specifically make them counsellors of state,” he told The Times.

“There is a precedent for that, of a fashion, with the Queen Mother. In 1953 she was specifically made an extra counsellor. They may look to add the Duchess of Cambridge”.

Royal historian Hugo Vickers said: “If Prince Andrew is not taking part in royal life, then he shouldn’t be taking part as a counsellor of state either.”

The Queen is experiencing mild “cold-like symptoms” but expects to continue “light duties” at Windsor over the coming week.

“She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines,” the palace said in a statement.

Fears had grown for Her Majesty after she had been in contact with her eldest son and heir to the throne, the Prince of Wales, last week, the week he tested positive for coronavirus.

Speculation over the Queen’s health grew on February 17 when she told members of the royal household that she could not move easily. She had been in contact with her son Prince Charles the day before he tested positive for Covid-19 for a second time.

It comes just a few weeks after the nation’s longest-reigning monarch reached her historic Platinum Jubilee milestone of 70 years on the throne, on February 6.

Queen Elizabeth has had to pull out of her royal duties due to illness. Picture: AFP

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “Buckingham Palace confirm that The Queen has today tested positive for Covid.

“Her Majesty is experiencing mild cold-like symptoms but expects to continue light duties at Windsor over the coming week.

“She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines.”

According to The Sun, the palace has its own royal physicians and the Queen’s doctors will be on hand to take care of and monitor the head of state, with Professor Sir Huw Thomas, head of the Medical Household and Physician to the Queen, expected to be in charge.

While usually secretive about the queen’s health, the palace has previously confirmed that she is fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

Britain’s Press Association said “it is understood a number of cases have also been diagnosed among the Windsor Castle team”.

Queen Elizabeth, centre, with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, far left, at Windsor Castle. Picture: Getty Images

Britain’s leaders have reacted and sent their best to the Queen.

Tweeting, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “I’m sure I speak for everyone in wishing Her Majesty The Queen a swift recovery from Covid and a rapid return to vibrant good health.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer added: “On behalf of myself and the whole of UK Labour, wishing Her Majesty The Queen good health and a speedy recovery.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted: “Wishing Her Majesty a quick recovery. God Save the Queen.”

Despite her diagnosis, the Queen managed to congratulate Team Great Britain’s women’s curling team who won gold at the Winter Games as they defeated Japan 10-3 at the Beijing Ice Cube.

The message reads: “I send my warmest congratulations to the Team GB Women’s Curling team on your outstanding performance in winning the Gold Medal at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, following the Silver Medal achieved by the Men’s Curling team yesterday.

“I know that your local communities and people throughout the United Kingdom will join me in sending our good wishes to you, your coaches and the friends and family who have supported you in your great success.”

DIAGNOSIS AMID SCANDAL

The Covid outbreak among senior royals came at a time when the family has been plagued by a string of scandals – including Prince Andrew’s sexual assault civil lawsuit worth £12 million ($A22.7million).

Meantime, London police are investigating claims that a Saudi tycoon was offered UK honours in return for donations to Prince Charles’ charitable foundation.

The queen has spent much of the coronavirus pandemic at Windsor Castle, with a reduced number of household staff dubbed “HMS Bubble”.

Respecting the government’s then rules on Covid distancing, she sat alone at her husband Prince Philip’s funeral, while Mr Johnson and his staff are under police investigation for apparent breaches of the rules during lockdown parties in Downing Street.

‘Very well looked after’. Prince Charles with his mother, the Queen. Picture: Getty Images

Mr Johnson’s government intends this week to lift remaining legal mandates covering Covid restrictions in England, with infections and hospitalisations from the Omicron wave apparently under control.

The government’s move will be unaffected by the queen’s illness, royal commentator Alastair Bruce said.

“That’s not the nature of how this works. She is not in any way a decision maker or an influencer,” he told Sky News.

“She’ll be informed of them but she would not want anyone to change any decisions on the basis of her state of health.”

Mr Bruce added that the queen would be “very well looked after” by royal physicians.

“I think for a very feisty and determined lady of her mid-90s, she is more than ready to deal with what she faces,” he said.

Originally published as Staff at Windsor Castle have also caught Covid, as The Queen plans to return to royal duties