Windsor, UK - Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is experiencing "mild cold like symptoms" after testing positive for Covid on Sunday, but expects to be at her desk carrying out "light duties," Buckingham Palace said.

Concerns for the 95-year-old will be heightened given her age and recent health scare, but it appears the head of state is determined to carry out what tasks she can despite contracting the virus.

The diagnosis follows a string of coronavirus cases among the royal family and the Queen's Windsor Castle team, with Prince Charles meeting the monarch the week he tested positive, and the Duchess of Cornwall also isolating after contracting the virus.

The shock announcement was made just a few weeks after the nation's longest-reigning monarch reached her historic Platinum Jubilee of 70 years on the throne on February 6.

Britney Spears Britney Spears deletes video after backlash: "If they only knew how severe my sadness is"

Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Sunday: "Buckingham Palace confirm that The Queen has today tested positive for Covid.

"Her Majesty is experiencing mild cold-like symptoms but expects to continue light duties at Windsor over the coming week.

"She will continue to receive medical attention and will follow all the appropriate guidelines."

The Royal Household has its own royal physicians and the Queen's doctors will be on hand to take care of and monitor the head of state, with Professor Sir Huw Thomas, head of the Medical Household and Physician to the Queen, expected to be in charge.

It is understood the Queen is following Covid guidelines on self-isolating after testing positive, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to repeal all pandemic regulations that restrict public freedoms in England when he lays out his vision for the future on Monday.

He wished the queen a "swift recovery" in a tweet on Sunday.

The Queen is believed to be triple vaccinated with her booster shot, and is said to have spent time with her son Charles on February 8, when he hosted an investiture at her Windsor Castle home. A few days later he tested positive for Covid but made a quick recovery to full health.

Kendall Jenner Kendall Jenner has scary incident with a catfished fan!

It is the second time the future king has caught the virus, after contracting Covid in March 2020 when he had mild symptoms, lost his sense of smell and taste, and isolated at Birkhall on the Balmoral estate.

The Queen, whose husband the Duke of Edinburgh died 10 months ago, spent much of the pandemic in the safety of Windsor Castle, protected in "HMS Bubble", the nickname given to her reduced household of dedicated staff.

The monarch, who for almost two years avoided contracting Covid, has served as a symbol of national stability during the pandemic, delivering two rare televised addresses to the nation weeks apart.

She reassured the country that the virus would be overcome, telling those in isolation: "We will meet again."

Elizabeth II is the first British monarch in history to reach her Platinum Jubilee, and plans are in motion for a host of national festivities in June to mark the occasion.