Prince William and Kate Middleton gave a rare interview about Prince Charles’ coronavirus diagnosis

Prince William and Kate Middleton sat down for a video interview with BBC News this morning to discuss Prince Charles’ coronavirus (COVID-19) diagnosis, protecting their family, and the importance of looking after mental health. When asked how he felt after finding out about his father’s diagnosis, William said, “I have to admit, at first I was quite concerned.”

The prince said that he was, of course, worried about his 71-year-old father. But he tried to remain optimistic.

“He fits the profile of someone at the age he’s at, which is fairly risky,” he said. “So I was a little bit worried, but my father has had many chest infections, colds, things like that over the years.”

“So I thought to myself, if anybody is going to beat this, it’s going to be him,” Prince William said.

Prince Charles spent seven days in self-isolation, ending on March 30th. According to the BBC, the palace reported he was in “good health” and had only “minor symptoms.” William noted that his father was lucky, and that the impact on his daily lifestyle and mental health was the most difficult.

“I think the hardest thing he found was having to stop, and not be able to go and get fresh air and go for a walk,” William said. “He’s a mad walker; he loves walking. He found it quite difficult with his mental health being stuck inside and not being able to go for walks.”

Both William and Kate emphasized how important it is for everyone to look after their mental health amid the current pandemic.

“A lot of people won’t have necessarily thought about their mental health maybe ever before, and suddenly this environment we’re in catches up to them quite quick,” William said. “I think the most important thing is talking; it’s always underestimated how much talking can do.”

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“There’s been a lot of focus on physical well-being and making sure everyone’s got enough food supplies and things like that,” Middleton added. “Whilst that is hugely important, we mustn’t forget our mental well-being as well.”

William and Kate also gave updates on how their entire family is coping with everything going on.

William said that he thinks very carefully about his grandparents and that their family is doing everything they can to protect them by social distancing. “We’ve been talking to all the family online. It’s been a really good way of keeping in touch and seeing each other,” William said.

Middleton also explained how they’re addressing the situation with their three children.

“You don’t want to scare them and make it too overwhelming,” Middleton said. “But I think it’s appropriate to acknowledge it in simple ways and in age-appropriate ways.”

As information about the coronavirus pandemic rapidly changes, HelloGiggles is committed to providing accurate and helpful coverage to our readers. As such, some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, we encourage you to use online resources from CDC, WHO, and local public health departments, and visit our coronavirus hub.