Queen Camilla will be absent from the United Kingdom's Remembrance Sunday service this weekend as she recovers from a chest infection, Buckingham Palace has confirmed. The 77-year-old consort of King Charles III has been advised by her medical team to rest, making this a rare absence from one of the monarchy's most solemn occasions. While the illness is reportedly not considered serious, officials stress that Camilla's recovery and the health of others are paramount.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: "Following doctors' guidance 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. While this is deeply disappointing for the Queen, she will observe the occasion privately and hopes to resume her public duties next week." Camilla will remain at her residence in Wiltshire during her recovery.
King Charles III will lead the royal family at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday, followed by the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in London. Senior members of the family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, are also expected to attend. The Princess of Wales' presence will be particularly significant as she makes her first major public appearance since undergoing chemotherapy for cancer-a diagnosis she disclosed earlier this year.
Camilla's health issues follow a demanding year for the royal family. King Charles has been receiving cancer treatment since February but paused it during recent international engagements. The Queen Consort's illness developed shortly after the couple returned from a nine-day tour of Asia and the Pacific, which included stops in Australia and Samoa.
Although there is no immediate cause for public concern, doctors cautioned that prolonged outdoor exposure during the Remembrance service might worsen Camilla's condition. The decision also reflects her commitment to minimizing any risk of transmission to others.
In Camilla's place, Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, will represent her at the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. The Duchess already stepped in earlier this week, attending a service in support of The Poppy Factory charity, of which Camilla is patron. Meanwhile, King Charles has continued his schedule solo, including hosting a reception for British medalists from the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics-a role he had originally planned to share with his wife.
