Prince Albert of Monaco, 62, tests positive for coronavirus
Prince Albert of Monaco has tested positive for coronavirus, the royal palace said today.
Authorities in the tiny state said the 62-year-old ruler had been tested for the pathogen at the start of this week.
His diagnosis makes him the first head of state to be infected with the virus.
The palace said Albert’s health ‘does not inspire any concern’, saying he was continuing to work from his private apartments.
However, he is being monitored by his personal doctor and by specialists at the Princess Grace Hospital Centre, which is named after his mother Grace Kelly.
Prince Albert of Monaco, pictured with his wife Princess Charlene of Monaco last year, has tested positive for coronavirus
Albert has also urged the 39,000 inhabitants of Monaco to observe quarantine rules to stop the spread of the virus, a statement said.
The Mediterranean enclave had confirmed nine cases of the virus in its latest update yesterday. The first was recorded on February 28.
The Monaco Grand Prix has been called along with several other events on the Formula One calendar because of virus fears.
It is unclear whether Albert’s wife, Princess Charlene, has been tested for the virus.
The 42-year-old former South African Olympic swimmer married Albert in 2011.
More follows.