Queen will still host audience with Boris Johnson this week despite Covid test

THE QUEEN will speak to Boris Johnson on the phone this week as she carries on working despite catching Covid.

She is still set to hold her weekly audience with the PM tomorrow evening - just days after testing positive.

The 95-year-old monarch has vowed to plough on with "light duties" whilst she self-isolates with the virus.

No 10 today confirmed that the weekly Tuesday night tete-a-tete between Boris and The Queen will go ahead.

Asked if the call is going ahead, the PM's spokesman said: "I'm not aware that's that's changed."

The pair have had to meet virtually before because of Covid, including last March when Prince Charles first caught the virus.

Buckingham Palace says the triple-jabbed sovereign is experiencing "mild cold-like symptoms".

Her Majesty will "continue to receive medical attention" from her team of royal physicians.

The Queen's positive test was confirmed by the Palace yesterday.

But just hours later she took time out to congratulate Team GB's curling squad for their Olympics success.

Prince Charles, 72, also came down with the virus 11 days ago and emerged from isolation last Thursday. The Duchess of Cornwall also tested positive.

It comes with the PM today poised to announce the ditching of all remaining Covid rules in England.

The move is set to be signed off by Cabinet despite some last-minute wrangling over cash.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid locked horns over how quickly to phase out free tests.

The row has pushed back plans for the PM's formal announcement of the end of restrictions.

When it's resolved Boris will head to the Commons to address MPs before holding a No 10 press conference.

'MOMENT OF PRIDE'

He will hail a "moment of pride" for Britain in exiting the pandemic and declare he's "finally giving people back their freedom".

The PM is poised to unveil his 'Living with Covid Plan', with Thursday earmarked as Freedom Day.

Under the scheme, he'll scrap self-isolation rules which are estimated to be costing the UK economy £2bn a month.

Free lateral flow and PCR tests - which are stinging the taxpayer for £2billion a week - will also end.

Speaking before his announcement, Boris said: "Today will mark a moment of pride after one of the most difficult periods in our country's history as we begin to learn to live with Covid.

"It would not be possible without the efforts of so many - the NHS who delivered the life-saving vaccine rollout at phenomenal speed, our world-leading scientists and experts, and the general public for their commitment to protecting themselves and their loved ones.

"The pandemic is not over but thanks to the incredible vaccine rollout we are now one step closer towards a return to normality and finally giving people back their freedoms while continuing to protect ourselves and others."

It comes as Brits who haven't yet had their boosters have been urged to get their vital shot, as restrictions lift.