Britain's Prince Charles tests positive for coronavirus, self isolating: Clarence House

Britain's Prince Charles has tested positive for the novel coronavirus after he displayed "mild symptoms" and is now self-isolating, his office said on Wednesday.

The 71-year-old heir to the British throne is self-isolating in Scotland with wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, who has tested negative for the deadly virus which has claimed 422 lives in the UK.

"The Prince of Wales has tested positive for coronavirus," the Clarence House statement read.

"He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual, it notes.

In keeping with social distancing advice during the pandemic, Charles has been noticeably using 'namaste' as a greeting rather than a handshake when seen in public over the last few weeks, including during an event to mark Commonwealth Day on March 9 at Marlborough House in London.

His wife Camilla, 72, was seek wearing long black gloves during the same event.

"The Duchess of Cornwall has also been tested but does not have the virus. In accordance with government and medical advice, the Prince and the Duchess are now self-isolating at home in Scotland, Clarence House said.

The Royals were tested on Monday after they had flown out to Scotland in a jet on Sunday and the royal couple have remained there since then.

The statement adds: "The tests were carried out by the NHS (National Health Service) in Aberdeenshire where they met the criteria required for testing.

It is not possible to ascertain from whom the Prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks."