Queen Camilla returned to her royal duties on Monday, November 12, after being absent from some of the British monarchy’s most important events due to health problems.
The 77-year-old queen was unable to attend the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday, Nov. 9, or the Remembrance Day ceremonies, as she was dealing with a chest infection.
Days earlier, Buckingham Palace had announced her absence, mentioning that, “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.”
Recently, Queen Camilla and King Charles had returned from an extended trip to Australia and Samoa, which marked their first official tour of a Commonwealth realm during their reign.
However, it appears that the trip was a busy one, as she contracted the infection just as she returned to the UK.
How is Queen Camilla’s health?
Queen Camilla attended a reception at Clarence House for the Booker Prize Foundation, an event that reflects her passion for literacy, an issue she has supported over the years. At this event ahead of the 2024 Booker Prize ceremony, Camilla was optimistic about her recovery.
“I’m obviously getting much better, bit of sort of coughing going on,” the queen commented in a video shared on X by Daily Mail royal correspondent Rebecca English, as she spoke to a guest upon arrival. She also expressed her desire to attend the event: “I really wanted to come.”
In another clip, Camilla said, “I’m on the mend, these things always take a bit of time to get rid of. You think you got rid of it, they just sort of hang on for a bit,” while conversing with American author Percival Everett. “But hopefully, I’m on the mend now. It’s nice to see you again,” he added.
It’s not all good news, however. Queen Camilla and King Charles had plans to attend the Gladiator II premiere together, but in the end, Camilla canceled her participation in the event.
It will take place on Wednesday at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square cinema in central London, and although her advisors have indicated that there is no cause for alarm, it will be the king who attends alone.
Camilla was scheduled to meet cast members including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, and Connie Nielsen, as well as director Ridley Scott.
Camilla’s attendance at the premiere was announced by Buckingham Palace last week, which said:
“The King, Patron of the Film and TV Charity, and The Queen will attend the Global Premiere of Gladiator II at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square, hosted jointly by Paramount Pictures and the Film and TV Charity.”
The decision not to attend the premiere is a precautionary measure and seeks to relieve pressure on the Queen as she resumes her public engagements.