Queen Camilla will not join the royal family to celebrate Remembrance Day.
Many British royals including Camilla’s husband, King Charles III, and his son Prince William will attend the Festival of Remembrance at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Saturday, November 9. They are expected to be joined by William’s wife, Princess Kate Middleton, in a rare appearance since she finished chemotherapy treatment following a battle with an undisclosed form of cancer.
The family will next mark the occasion with a military parade and visit to The Cenotaph, a war memorial, on Sunday, November 10.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace, however, confirmed earlier on Saturday that Camilla, 77, will be absent from the various events, issuing a statement to multiple outlets, “[Camilla is] following doctors’ guidance to ensure a full recovery from a seasonal chest infection and to protect others from any potential risk. While this is a source of great disappointment to the Queen, she will mark the occasion privately at home and hopes to return to public duties early next week.”
Queen Camilla Cancels Public Appearances as She Battles Chest Infection
Camilla had canceled her official engagements earlier this week after battling a chest infection.
“Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest,” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said in a Tuesday, November 5, statement. “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.”
According to the rep, Camilla was resting at home under her doctor’s supervision. One of the events she missed was the Thursday, November 7, opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, appeared in Camilla’s place, wearing an olive coatdress adorned with a poppy lapel to lay a remembrance cross at the cathedral.
Remembrance is celebrated each November in the U.K. to remember military veterans who served the Commonwealth. To show their support, many residents wear poppy pins on the lapels. Camilla, Kate, 42, and other members of the royal family commonly partake in the sartorial tradition.
Queen Camilla Speaks Out on Kate Middleton’s Cancer Battle for 1st Time
Camilla and Charles recently returned from an overseas trip to Australia and Samoa. It marked the reigning monarch’s first since he was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier this year.
“His Majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about the King’s continued recovery,” the Palace said in an April statement. “Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimize any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery. The pacing of the King’s program will be carefully calibrated as his recovery continues, in close consultation with his medical team.”
Months later, Camilla joked that Charles “won’t slow down” after he was cleared to resume his regal duties.
“[He] won’t do what he’s told,” Camilla added at the time.
