- Queen Elizabeth II said COVID-19 leaves one "very tired and exhausted" in a virtual appearance.
- Her comments were made on a video call for the opening of a new hospital unit on Sunday.
- Prince Charles is set to step in for the Queen at an upcoming pre-Easter service.
Queen Elizabeth II said having COVID-19 can leave a person feeling "exhausted" during a virtual appearance for the Royal London Hospital on Sunday.
The 95-year-old monarch joined National Health Service (NHS) staff members and patients via video call for the opening of the 150-bed Queen Elizabeth Unit at the hospital, according to the clip's caption on The Royal Family YouTube channel.
During the appearance, the Queen heard from a patient who contracted COVID-19 in December. She asked him whether he felt better now, to which he said he's now able to move around without the use of a wheelchair.
"I'm glad to hear that you're getting better," she said. "It does leave one very tired and exhausted, doesn't it? This horrible pandemic and in your time, it was the bad version, wasn't it?"
"It obviously was a very frightening experience to have COVID very badly, wasn't it?" she added.
The virtual appearance comes nearly two months after Buckingham Palace announced that the Queen had tested positive for COVID-19.
"Her Majesty is experiencing mild cold like symptoms but expects to continue light duties at Windsor over the coming week," a palace spokesperson said in the statement sent to Insider at the time. It added that she would be receiving medical attention and following "all the appropriate guidelines."
Since then, the monarch has continued attending virtual appearances and appeared in person at a memorial service in honor of her late husband, Prince Philip, at Westminster Abbey on March 29.
Buckingham Palace announced on Friday that she'd regretfully pulled out of an annual pre-Easter service at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle set to take place on Thursday, People reported. Known as "Maundy Thursday," the Queen traditionally hands out special Maundy money to senior citizens to commemorate "Jesus washing the feet of the Apostles at the Last Supper," according to the royal website.
Instead, Prince Charles will take her place at the service on Thursday, ITV News reported. The outlet added that the Queen was said to have been experiencing mobility issues and could not commit to attending.
Representatives for Buckingham Palace did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.