Queen admits Covid left her ‘very tired and exhausted’ in emotional conversation with grieving patient

The Queen shared new details about her experience of Covid-19 during a virtual engagement with hospital staff and patients on Wednesday

Queen admits Covid left her ‘exhausted’ in video engagement
(Image credit: Getty)

The Queen has spoken out about her Covid-19 experience for the first time, admitting that the virus left her 'very tired and exhausted'. 


The Queen has opened up about her Covid-19 experience for the first time, telling staff and patients at a London hospital that the illness left her feeling 'very tired and exhausted.' 

Her Majesty made a digital appearance at the Royal London Hospital on Wednesday, to celebrate the official opening of the renowned medical facility's new Queen Elizabeth Unit. 

Speaking virtually to hospital staff and patients from Windsor Castle, Her Majesty enquired about the construction of the 155-bed ward for Covid patients—before revealing new details about her own symptoms of the deadly virus. 

Queen

(Image credit: Getty)

“This particular bit where you’re standing, this was specially built was it for the pandemic?” she asked. After being informed that the unit had been built in just five weeks, she replied, "It's amazing what can be done when needs be." 

Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Queen had Covid in February, less than two weeks after she passed her Platinum Jubilee 2022

Despite suffering from 'mild cold-like symptoms', the 95-year-old continued to perform 'light duties', including Red Box filing and virtual audiences, from her Berkshire residence of Windsor Castle. 

Prince Charleswho also tested positive for Covid that same month—reassured royal fans that she was feeling 'a lot better' at the beginning of March, just a few days before she made her first in-person engagement since contracting the virus with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 

The Queen appears to have fully recovered from the virus, but admits she felt extremely fatigued during her self-isolation.  

"It does leave one very tired and exhausted, doesn't it?" the Queen said to former Covid patient Asef Hussain and his wife, Shamina. "This horrible pandemic. It's not a nice result." 

Hussain, whose father and brother both died from the virus, said that he is 'getting there' with his recovery and no longer requires a wheelchair for mobility. 

“I’m glad that you’re getting better,” the Queen said, before adding to hospital staff, "It obviously was a very frightening experience to have Covid very badly." 

Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.

Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.