Queen Camilla has provided a fresh update on King Charles' health during her solo tour of Northern Ireland, assuring the public that the monarch is "doing very well" as he continues to receive cancer treatment. The Queen, who travelled to Northern Ireland while King Charles focuses on his recovery, shared the positive news during her visits to local businesses in Belfast.
When asked about the King's health, Queen Camilla responded, "He's doing very well. He was very disappointed he couldn't come." She also playfully added, "I try to keep him in order," when someone joked about men not being the best patients.
The Queen's visit to Northern Ireland follows her recent trip to the Isle of Man, where she conferred city status on the Borough of Douglas. During her speech on behalf of King Charles, the Queen conveyed the monarch's apologies for not being able to attend the celebration himself, describing it as an "extremely special occasion."
Throughout her tour of Belfast, Queen Camilla visited several artisan and family-run food shops, including Coffey's Butchers, Knotts Bakery & Arcadia Delicatessen on Lisburn Road. At each stop, the Queen was gifted various local delicacies to take home to London and share with the King.
At Coffey's Butchers, the Queen was impressed by the selection of meats on display, remarking, "My goodness me what a great selection. It's wonderful, it's all very tempting. It's lovely to see you thriving." She graciously accepted a bag filled with Northern Irish specialties, including Belfast pickle, beef sausages, and vegetable rolls, stating, "I shall take these back to my husband, he will really make the most of them."
During her visit to The Arcadia deli, shop assistant Brenda Robb presented the Queen with a get well soon card for King Charles and shared her best wishes. Queen Camilla expressed her appreciation and reiterated that the King was "very disappointed he couldn't come [to Northern Ireland]."
A particularly endearing moment occurred during the Queen's visit to Knotts bakery, where 23-month-old Fitzwilliam Corrie-Salmon, the son of one of the owners, photobombed the royal with an adorable smile and a wave to the camera. The Queen, delighted by the toddler's charm, joked, "We have got a natural for the cameras!"
The Queen's trip to Northern Ireland follows the announcement on Feb. 5 from Buckingham Palace that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer. While the palace has not specified the type of cancer, a spokesperson confirmed it is not prostate cancer, following the King's treatment for benign prostate enlargement in January. The monarch has postponed public-facing duties on the advice of his doctors while receiving treatment but has continued to work behind the scenes.
Despite the King's absence, Queen Camilla's visit to Northern Ireland has provided a much-needed dose of positivity and reassurance to the public. Her interactions with local businesses and the warm reception she received from the people of Belfast demonstrate the enduring connection between the Royal Family and the communities they serve.
