Kate Middleton is in self-isolation after coming into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 afterward, according to a statement from Kensington Palace. Although she was vaccinated in May and reportedly shows no symptoms, under British protocols, all who encounter a confirmed case are urged to quarantine for 10 days.
As such, Kate’s husband, Prince William, went stag to a tea party at Buckingham Palace on Monday while she stayed home. The event, coincidentally enough, was in honor of Britain’s National Health Service, which celebrated its 73rd anniversary. The tea party took place after a service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in which the organization was awarded the George Cross.
The George Cross is given to individuals and groups who show extraordinary bravery in non-combat situations. Queen Elizabeth’s father, George VI, instituted the award in 1940.
The Duchess of Cambridge attended both the Euros soccer tournament and Wimbledon last week and had negative COVID-19 tests before each event. On Friday, she attended Wimbledon and sat in a royal box with the Duke of Kent (The Queen’s first cousin, Edward) and later with British tennis star Tim Henman. Kensington Palace has not disclosed exactly when she may have been exposed or who the infected person is. But we wager she wasn’t just trying to get out of a tea party.
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