COVID-19 Claims the Life of Spanish Princess
Spanish Princess Maria Teresa de Borbon-Parma, 86, became the first royal to fall victim to COVID-19.
Maria Teresa, who was also known as "the red princess", died in Paris at 86-years-old, just weeks after Spain's King Felipe IV tested negative for the virus. Her brother, Prince Sixto Enrique de Borbon, announced the news via his social media account.
Born in July 1933, She was the second daughter of Francisco Javier de Borbon y Barganza who claimed the Carlist throne after the forced exile of Spain's King Alfonso.
Princess Maria Theresa received her doctorate in Hispanic studies from Paris-Sorbonne University and another in political sociology from the Complutense University in Madrid. She also studied Islam and how it connected to women's rights in Arab nations.
Maria Theresa was a known activist who fought for women's rights. She took part in making the Spanish Carlist party more liberal. She was given the nickname "the red princess" for her progressiveness and diplomatic attitude.
She earned her Spanish nationality in 1981. Maria Theresa has never been married and does not have children.
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Prince Charles, 71, tested positive for the deadly virus and is reportedly self-isolating in Scotland.
The royal family released the news on March 25 where they revealed the prince to be suffering from mild symptoms brought about by the coronavirus. They assured the public the royal member, along with his wife The Duchess of Cornwall, were observing self-quarantine in their home.
The news was not well-received by the public as NHS workers are still awaiting their chance to get tested for the global pandemic. Many claim Prince Charles was given preference over thousands of medical workers working on the frontline.
A Clarence House spokesperson addressed the issue, saying Prince Charles met the criteria required for testing. The palace refuses to release further details about his health.
In recent news, one of Queen Elizabeth's staff is reportedly infected with COVID-19. The queen's royal footman, who is tasked to walk the royal monarch's dogs, is now in self-isolation as required by medical guidelines.
The footman has reportedly served the queen for more than six years. He was promoted in 2019 where, in addition to walking the dogs, he was given the task of taking meals to the monarch as well as managing her post.
The royal footman saw Queen Elizabeth daily. His conditions, as well as the date of his diagnosis, remain unclear.
It is believed the monarch, who has relocated to Windsor Castle in Berkshire on March 19, has severely reduced her support staff. She has reportedly allowed most of her staff to continue their work from home.
The queen, who is now 93, would be considered a high-risk patient if she contracts the virus as she has had multiple health problems in recent years.
The royal family has taken extra precautions to ensure that the other members of the royal family, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, remain safe from COVID-19.