Queen Camilla will be absent from this weekend’s Remembrance events due to a seasonal chest infection, Buckingham Palace has confirmed. The 77-year-old monarch is following doctors’ advice to ensure a full recovery and minimize the risk of spreading the infection to others. Although she will not be attending the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday evening or the Sunday service at the Cenotaph in London, the Queen will observe the occasion privately at home. She hopes to return to her public duties early next week.
The announcement comes after it was confirmed that the Princess of Wales, Catherine, will attend the Remembrance services in London, marking her gradual return to public duties after undergoing cancer treatment. Despite her absence from the events, Queen Camilla expressed disappointment but emphasized the need to protect vulnerable attendees, such as elderly veterans, from potential infection.
The Queen had already stepped back from several events earlier in the week, including the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey and a reception for Olympic and Paralympic athletes at Buckingham Palace, which was hosted by King Charles. The King, who is currently receiving cancer treatment, will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph on Sunday on behalf of the nation.
Although there is no cause for alarm regarding the Queen’s health, her doctors have recommended additional rest. The Queen had returned to the UK last week after a trip with King Charles to Australia, Samoa, and India. During their travels, King Charles paused his cancer treatment but is expected to resume it upon his return to the UK.
Prince William recently shared that this year has been particularly difficult for the royal family, acknowledging the challenges faced by both his wife, Catherine, and his father, King Charles, as they cope with their cancer diagnoses. He expressed pride in how both have handled their situations despite the personal toll.