[1/4] U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden walk to Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, U.S., September 2, 2023. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno/File PhotoU.S. first lady Jill Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 just days before President Joe Biden, who tested negative for the virus, is due to travel to a Group of 20 summit in India, the White House said on Monday.
Biden’s 72-year-old wife, whose symptoms were described as mild, last had COVID in August of last year. The president, now 80, last tested positive in July 2022.
“This evening, the First Lady tested positive for COVID-19,” her communications director, Elizabeth Alexander, said in a statement. “She will remain at their home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.”
Biden flew back alone from Delaware on Monday evening.
“Following the First Lady’s positive test for COVID-19, President Biden was administered a COVID test this evening,” the White House said. “The President tested negative. The President will test at a regular cadence this week and monitor for symptoms.”
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether Biden’s foreign travel could be affected.
JOE Biden’s wife Jill will attend the King’s coronation on behalf of the US President.
Mr Biden said on Monday he would be unable to attend the May 6 event because of his schedule.
Joe Biden’s wife Jill will attend the King’s coronation on behalf of the US PresidentCredit: ReutersThe White House said the President told the King First Lady Jill would attend on behalf of the US.Credit: Getty
But in a statement, The White House said the President told The King First Lady Jill would attend on behalf of the US.
The statement said: “President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with King Charles III, underscoring the strength of the relationship between our countries and the friendship between our peoples.
“The President congratulated the King on his upcoming coronation and informed him that First Lady Jill Biden looks forward to attending on behalf of the United States.
“The President also conveyed his desire to meet with the King in the United Kingdom at a future date.”
The First Lady will be among a raft of world leaders and dignitaries descending on London for Charles’ crowning.
Events for the coronation will start on Saturday May 6 and continue over Sunday May 7 and Monday May 8, which has been declared a bank holiday.
The action packed weekend will see King Charles and newly titled Queen Camilla arrive at Westminster Abbey in The King’s Procession on Saturday morning.
This will be followed by the coronation service conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The service will “reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry”.
After the service, the newly-crowned King and Queen will return to the Palace in a larger ceremonial parade known as the Coronation Procession.
This is expected to include thousands of troops, military bands and other members of the Royal Family.
After the procession the Royal Family are expected to appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
