A lingering chest infection has forced Queen Camilla to cancel several upcoming engagements, a concerning turn of events. Buckingham Palace announced this on Tuesday, stating that the Queen’s doctors have advised her to rest at home for a short period.
The news comes just weeks after Queen Camilla and King Charles returned from a successful royal tour of Australia and Samoa. However, it seems the demanding travel schedule may have taken a toll on the 77-year-old Queen’s health.
According to the Palace’s statement, “Her Majesty the Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest.” The statement went on to say, “With great regret, Her Majesty has therefore had to withdraw from her engagements for this week.”
One of the key events Queen Camilla will miss is the annual opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on Thursday. The Duchess of Gloucester, a 78-year-old working royal, will represent her instead.
King Charles will now host the Buckingham Palace reception for Olympic and Paralympic athletes on Thursday evening instead of the Queen. Despite the setback, the Palace expressed optimism that Queen Camilla would be well enough to participate in the upcoming Remembrance Weekend events. This includes the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday, as well as the commemorative service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on Sunday.
The palace’s statement reassured us that she very much hopes to recover in time to attend this weekend’s Remembrance events as normal. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was quick to offer his well wishes, posting a message on social media that said, “Wishing Queen Camilla a speedy recovery.” Health issues have forced the Queen to cancel engagements before. Earlier this year, she missed a week of events after testing positive for COVID-19 for the second time.
The news also comes amid a difficult period for the royal family, with both King Charles and Catherine, Princess of Wales, receiving cancer diagnoses in recent months. The overseas trip paused the King’s treatment, but now that he has returned to the UK, we expect it to resume.
Despite the setbacks, the Queen has continued to be a steady presence, even taking on additional duties to support her husband and daughter-in-law during their illnesses. Her dedication to the Crown and the British people remains unwavering.
The nation will undoubtedly feel Queen Camilla’s absence as they prepare to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country. However, her loyal subjects will no doubt wish her a swift recovery so that she may fulfill her solemn duties at the upcoming Remembrance ceremonies.
The Queen’s resilience and commitment to her role have long been an inspiration. Even in the face of this latest health challenge, there is little doubt that she will bounce back, ready to continue her tireless work on behalf of the United Kingdom.