Queen Camilla, 77, has withdrawn from her royal engagements this week after being diagnosed with a chest infection, Buckingham Palace announced on Tuesday. Camilla, who has been advised to rest under her doctor's supervision, is reportedly recuperating at home. "Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest," the palace spokesperson stated. "With great regret, Her Majesty has therefore had to withdraw from her engagements for this week, but she very much hopes to be recovered in time to attend this weekend's Remembrance events as normal."
This announcement follows a series of recent health issues among the British royal family. King Charles, 75, disclosed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with cancer, shortly after undergoing a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate. The palace confirmed at the time that his condition, discovered during his treatment in January, would require ongoing medical attention. "During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer," a palace statement said, clarifying that it was not prostate cancer.
The King has remained optimistic about his treatment plan and intends to resume full public duties as his health permits. "The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention," the statement read. Despite his diagnosis, Charles continues to engage with state duties from behind the scenes, ensuring minimal disruption to his responsibilities.
Queen Camilla's withdrawal from public events this week includes missing the annual Field of Remembrance ceremony at Westminster Abbey, which honors veterans and fallen service members. Instead, the Duchess of Gloucester will represent Camilla at the event, which is an important fixture in the royal calendar. The Queen will also forego her presence at a Buckingham Palace reception for Olympic and Paralympic athletes, hosted by King Charles.
In another health setback within the royal family, Princess Kate Middleton, wife of Prince William, publicly revealed her own battle with cancer earlier this year. The 42-year-old Princess of Wales underwent major abdominal surgery in January and announced her diagnosis soon afterward. She completed chemotherapy over the summer and shared an emotional update in September, expressing relief at being cancer-free and focusing on her continued recovery. "Doing what I can to stay cancer-free" was her message, as she began a gradual return to royal duties. Kate recently made a surprise public appearance with Prince William in Southport, engaging with families and emergency personnel affected by a tragic local incident.
As Britain's royal family manages these health issues, public concern has mounted, given the critical roles each member plays in the monarchy's public and private functions. King Charles' health concerns have led to some speculation about the sustainability of his workload, though he has expressed full confidence in his medical treatment and has assured the public of his resilience. His openness about the diagnosis, according to the palace, was meant to avoid speculation and "assist public understanding."
The series of health issues within the royal family has affected their schedules significantly in recent months. Charles' cancer diagnosis, coming just weeks before Kate Middleton's announcement, underscored the gravity of these personal challenges for the royals. Charles and Camilla, in particular, recently returned from an extensive five-day official tour of Australia and Samoa, marking the King's first state visit to Australia as monarch. Despite their rigorous travel and public duties, both have prioritized recovery upon their return.
The royal family's health concerns also have broader implications. Experts suggest that senior royals' health is closely monitored by their advisors and medical teams, given the potential impact on the monarchy. King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Princess Kate each play vital roles in the monarchy's public presence, and their continued health challenges could affect future engagements. Nevertheless, Buckingham Palace emphasizes that the royals are committed to maintaining their responsibilities while prioritizing recovery.
