Queen Elizabeth on the Mend After COVID-19 Diagnosis, Says Prince Charles

Prince Charles has given an update on the health of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, who is currently recuperating after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

During a visit to Essex to present Southend with a letters patent granting its city status, the Prince shared with well-wishers that his mother was on the mend.

Janice Jachum, an admin worker from a local golf course, asked about Her Majesty's health and was told by the Prince that she's “a lot better now” and that it was “very mild.”

Concerns had mounted for the 95-year-old monarch's health since she tested positive on February 20th, but the news overshadowed the start of her record-breaking 70th year on the throne.

Buckingham Palace had said at the time that the Queen was experiencing mild cold-like symptoms.

However, on Tuesday, the Queen was photographed hosting virtual audiences with ambassadors for the first time since her COVID diagnosis.

Her recovery seemed to be progressing as she appeared via video link from her Windsor Castle home to speak to dignitaries at Buckingham Palace after postponing a number of similar engagements last week.

The monarch received His Excellency Mr Charles Jordana Madero, who presented the letters of recall of his predecessor and his own letters of credence as ambassador for the Principality of Andorra to the Court of St James.

She also received His Excellency Mr Candela Yonis Hamidi, who presented his letters of credence as ambassador for the Republic of Shad to the Court of St James.

The Queen was due to host a diplomatic reception at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, but Buckingham Palace said on Saturday that she had accepted the Foreign Secretary's advice to delay the event.

She has a string of high-profile events coming up that she is due to attend, including the Commonwealth service at Westminster Abbey on March 14, and then the Duke of Edinburgh's memorial service also at the Abbey on March 29.

The nation's longest reigning monarch, who is believed to have been triple vaccinated, recently spent more than three months resting on doctor's orders.

In the autumn, she pulled out of attending the COP26 climate change summit, the Festival of Remembrance, and then the Remembrance Sunday Cenotaph service due to a sprained back.

She also missed the Church of England's General Synod.

The Queen now regularly uses a walking stick and has been pictured looking frailer recently.

During a Windsor Castle audience last month, she remarked, “Well, as you can see, I can't move.”

However, her light duties as head of state include working from her red boxes, which are sent to her every day and contain policy papers, foreign office telegrams, letters, and other state papers that have to be read and, where necessary, approved and signed.

Prince Charles told local Raymond Gibson that his mother had very slight COVID, so she's OK.

The Prince provided the update on the 95-year-old monarch's health during his visit to Essex to formally present Southend with a letters patent granting its city status following the death of MP Sir David Amess.

Charles also shared with well-wishers that his mother was on the mend.

Jachum, who spoke with the Prince, said that she thinks the Queen is absolutely wonderful.

Meanwhile, the Queen wore a green dress with a large brooch and her trademark pearls during the virtual audiences with ambassadors.