decades — a 73rd wedding anniversary for the queen and the duke in november, including a card from their great grandchildren, princes george, louis and princess charlottewales, the run—up to lockdown had been busy. here in newquay on the sixth of march, he was still shaking hands. a few days later in london, the protocol had changed, but it was sometimes hard to remember for someone who's to remember for someone whose life is a constant round of meeting people. good afternoon, your royal highness. i'm sorry! in his 70s, his covid risk was high. and on the 25th of march, clarence house announced that the prince had tested positive and was isolating at birkhall, his home on the balmoral estate in scotland. his symptoms were mild and a few days later, he shared his thoughts via a video message. as we're all learning, this strange, frustrating and often distressing experience — when the presence of family and friends is no longer possible, and the normal structures of life are suddenly removed. at such an unprecedented and anxious time in all our lives, my wife and i are thinking particularly of all those who have lost their loved ones in such very difficu