Buckingham Palace has released an update on Queen Camilla’s health after her recent health concerns.
Last month, it was announced that Queen Camilla would temporarily step back from her official duties on medical advice while recovering from a seasonal illness. Buckingham Palace has now issued an update, revealing that her condition has continued to worsen.
Queen Camilla missed significant Remembrance events in November, including the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and the Sunday service at the Cenotaph, where other senior royals paid tribute to fallen servicemen and women.
On November 9, Buckingham Palace issued a statement explaining (via The Express):
“Following doctors’ advice to ensure a full recovery from a seasonal chest infection and to protect others from any potential risk, Her Majesty will not attend this weekend’s Remembrance events.”
The statement added, “While this is a source of great disappointment to The Queen, she will mark the occasion privately at home and hopes to return to public duties early next week.”
Queen Camilla reportedly prioritized the health and safety of elderly veterans attending the events, recognizing the importance of her absence for their well-being.
In addition, Queen Camilla missed the annual Field of Remembrance opening at Westminster Abbey, a duty carried out by the Duchess of Gloucester in her stead.
Other events, such as a reception for Olympic and Paralympic athletes at Buckingham Palace, were managed by King Charles, who continues to navigate health challenges related to cancer treatment.
Reflecting on the hardships his family has faced this year, Prince William shared with the New York Post: “I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done. But from a personal family point of view, it’s been brutal.”
It has now been announced that Queen Camilla is revising her plans for the upcoming state visit from Qatar as she continues to recover from a chest infection, according to People.
On December 2, Buckingham Palace revealed that the Queen would not attend the official welcoming ceremony on December 3 due to lingering symptoms and reduced energy levels, which led to the adjustment in her schedule.
Following medical advice, Queen Camilla has scaled back her commitments for the state visit. She will no longer attend the arrival ceremony at Horse Guards Parade, where Prince William and Kate Middleton are expected to stand in for her.
However, she plans to attend the traditional lunch and artifact viewing at Buckingham Palace.
The state visit will include the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani.
Queen Camilla is still expected to attend the state banquet in the evening, though she will skip the receiving line to prioritize rest. On the final day of the visit, she plans to participate in farewell events.
While this adjustment marks a change in Queen Camilla’s original schedule, Buckingham Palace emphasized that there has been no change in her diagnosis or treatment.
According to People, the Queen shared with guests at the Buckingham Palace festivities for the state visit that her recent chest infection was a form of pneumonia.
Post-viral fatigue can persist for weeks, and given the demanding nature of state visits, the Queen has prioritized her recovery.
Despite these adjustments, Queen Camilla is still scheduled to appear at the Entente Littéraire Prize Ceremony on December 4, where she will be joined by France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron.
