Queen Camilla Speaks Out on Ongoing Illness, Reveals Reason for Extended Absence

Queen Camilla is opening up about her health after reducing her duties for the Qatar state visit while recovering from a chest infection.

On Dec. 3, the Queen, 77, told guests at the Buckingham Palace festivities for the incoming state visit that her recent chest infection was a form of pneumonia. It’s understood that Queen Camilla is recovering well, but continues to experience episodic symptoms of post-viral fatigue from the chest infection that the palace announced she had on Nov. 5.

The Queen seemed to be in good spirits as she arrived by car at Buckingham Palace on Dec. 3, where she stepped out solo and fixed the front of her jacket as she ascended the steps. It was announced on the eve of the Qatari state visit that the King Charles’ wife wouldn’t be at the traditional kickoff at Horse Guards Parade in London, where she would have been out in the cold and likely traveled back to the palace by carriage (which are known to be bumpy!). 

Instead, the Queen was driven to the palace later in the day for the luncheon welcoming the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, and viewing of objects after that have ties to Qatar. 

It was confirmed on the eve of the state visit that the Queen was also reducing her role at the glam state banquet later on Dec. 3 in light of her health. Queen Camilla is expected to pose for photos with the Amir and Sheikha Jawaher, but will retire during the traditional receiving line. She is expected to attend the dinner, and will participate in farewells on Dec. 4, the final day of the two-day stay. 

The Amir of Qatar and his wife are in the U.K. at the invitation of King Charles, 76, and state visits are a key way for Britain to boost diplomatic bonds. The incoming state visit from Qatar was announced in October, and it was revealed in November that Kate Middleton and Prince William would help with the welcome on Dec. 3. It was significant to see Princess Kate, 42, participate in the pageantry, from greeting the guests of honor to the Horse Guards Parade pomp to the carriage ride back to the palace and beyond as she gradually resumes royal duties after completing chemotherapy. 

The Princess of Wales has been outside of the spotlight for most of 2024 after announcing in March that she was undergoing treatment for cancer and said in September it was a “relief” to have completed chemo.

Princess Kate isn’t expected at the state banquet this evening, but Queen Camilla will be there. The Queen shifted her schedule for the specifics of the state visit in accordance with doctors’ advice, and is experiencing diminished reserves of energy.

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It’s understood that there has been no change to her diagnosis or treatment following the Nov. 5 announcement about her chest infection, and she returned to work just a few days later on Nov. 12. There, she spoke about having “a bit of sort of coughing going on” as a lingering symptom, and has since skipped the Gladiator II premiere on Nov. 13 and Royal Variety Performance on Nov. 22 as she continues recuperating. 

The Queen is thought to be taking each day as it comes in light of the chest infection, aligning with doctors’ advice, and post-viral fatigue symptoms can linger for weeks. Tomorrow, she is due to appear at the Entente Littéraire Prize Ceremony with Birgitte Macron, the First Lady of France, in London.