Royal tests himself live on Facebook
In an effort to raise awareness about HIV and encourage others to get checked out too, Prince Harry has been tested for the disease.
There are more than 100,000 people living with HIV in the UK.
Harry, who has recently made highlighting the issue of HIV a major element of his public work, visited a sexual health clinic for the simple finger-prick procedure.
The prince walked into a sexual health clinic in Burrell Street, central London, to receive his test, which was filmed live on Facebook.
He had to wait only a few moments to get his results, while his blood sample was mixed with chemicals and poured into a test tray.
The negative result was indicated by a blue spot seen in the tray.
However, if two spots had appeared he would have needed further tests to confirm if he was HIV positive.
The procedure was carried out by Robert Palmer, a lead health adviser and psychosexual counsellor, who said the prince was ‘anxious’.
Asked about the significance of a member of the Royal Family getting tested for HIV, Mr Palmer added: “It means this is a test for everybody – it doesn’t matter who you are, it’s a good idea to have an HIV test.”
Ian Green, chief executive of HIV-awareness charity, Terrence Higgins Trust, said the moment was ‘ground-breaking’.
He added: “Not only does it show His Royal Highness’s genuine and personal commitment to tackling the HIV epidemic, it will amplify a message to millions all over the world: testing for HIV is easy, quick and nothing to be feared.“We have a real opportunity to end HIV transmissions in the UK, but it starts with each person knowing their HIV status.
“Too many people are either put off testing by the stigma that still surrounds HIV, or simply do not think HIV is an issue anymore.”
He said the Royal had ‘normalised’ testing to a global audience.
For those aged over 15 years old, the average HIV prevalence in the UK is 1.9 per 1,000 population.
However for gay men the rate jumps to 48.7 per 1,000. Black African women are the second most at-risk group with a prevalence rate of 43.7 per 1,000.
Latest figures from Public Health England in 2014 estimated 18,100 people were unaware of their infection and at risk of unknowingly passing on the virus.
