The lack of coronavirus testing in the United Kingdom means that even health care workers on the front lines of the pandemic (open in new tab) cannot be tested. So when a royal spokesman announced that Prince Charles had tested positive after showing "mild symptoms," some claimed that his royal wealth and status favored him. However, Scotland's chief medical officer, Dr. Catherine Calderwood, suggested during an appearance on BBC Radio Scotland that Prince Charles and Camilla may have had underlying health problems that made them susceptible to the virus.

"My understanding is that there was a very good reason for that couple to be tested," Dr. Calderwood said, as reported by The Telegraph (opens in new tab).

According to royal correspondent Richard Palmer, Clarence House declined to comment on whether Prince Charles and Camilla had been tested for a pre-existing condition (opens in new tab).

British Health Minister Edward Agar also denied that Prince Charles was tested for COVID-19 because of his royal status. In an interview with Sky News, he said (open in new tab), "My understanding is that his symptoms, his medical condition met that criteria."

"The Prince of Wales did not jump the queue," Agar said.

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