Buckingham Palace announced that Queen Camilla, 77, has a chest infection.
According to the BBC, Camilla’s diagnosis has led her to cancel Thursday’s engagements, including her planned appearance at the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey.
Queen Camilla reacts at the UK’s D-Day 80th anniversary event on Southsea Common, Portsmouth on June 5, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
In the Queen’s absence, the Duchess of Gloucester will represent her for that occasion.
Camilla will also miss a Thursday evening reception at Buckingham Palace for Olympic and Paralympic athletes, which will now be hosted solely by King Charles III.
On doctors’ advice, Camilla will rest at home; however, she still aims to attend special events over the weekend, including Saturday’s Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and Sunday’s Cenotaph service in Whitehall.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer extended well-wishes for her “speedy recovery” for the Queen.
Queen Camilla visits the restored Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings in Shropshire, England, on March 27, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Many royal supporters sent their well-wishes, with one writing, “That’s very bad news … I’m sorry Her Majesty Queen Camilla is unwell. I wish her comfort, peace, rest, recovery & may she receive excellent medical care & treatment for what’s ailing her. God bless her! 🤕😷🤧🤢❤️🩹✝️🙏 [sic]”
Another supporter simply said, “I pray she has a speedy recovery. 🙏”
Queen Camilla attends QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot Racecourse in Ascot, England, on October 21, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Some questioned whether the King and Queen were fit to lead, “Charles and her need to step down. Their health issues prevent them from doing their duties. Queen Elizabeth knew what she was doing when she held out as long as she did! 😂 it was her plan all along for Charles and this woman to be in power as little time as possible. I love it [sic]!”
Another stated, “She’s elderly. I’d say the trip wore her out, probably Charles too.”
More royal supporters continue to wish Camilla a swift recovery, while others offered prayers for her healing.
Several noted her dedication to royal duties, especially during Charles’s recent absences.
A netizen’s reaction to Queen Camilla’s diagnosis, posted on November 5, 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/skynews
Others suggested that Camilla may be exhausted from managing both her and Charles’s appointments while he undergoes treatment.
Another fan expressed sympathy for the demands of her role, noting that she has been working very hard, which could be overwhelming at her age.
A netizen’s comment on Queen Camilla’s diagnosis, posted on November 5, 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/skynews
Amid mixed reactions from netizens, the Palace shared that Camilla’s condition appears minor, possibly due to recent long-haul travels with Charles.
Last October, the couple went to Australia and Samoa, where she shared some candid moments with the public.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport on October 23, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
When the couple visited St. Thomas’s Anglican Church in Sydney, Camilla took selfies with the crowd—a move that caught the attention of many.
While there are no obligatory codes of behavior when meeting a member of the royal family, tradition still holds strong.
Queen Camilla at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport on October 23, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
Men customarily give a simple neck bow, women may offer a small curtsy, and others choose a handshake.
However, selfies, though not officially banned, have long been discouraged by the royal family.
Queen Camilla greets supporters at St. Thomas’s Anglican Church on October 20, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
CCN Royal Commentator Victoria Arbiter explains, “Royals would always rather have a personal interaction than have people clamoring for selfies.”
Victoria highlighted the pitfalls of granting selfie requests, noting that it can quickly become overwhelming and raises security concerns due to the close proximity required.
Queen Camilla greets supporters at St. Thomas’s Anglican Church on October 20, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
Camilla’s decision to take selfies during her Australia tour highlighted a shift in the royal family’s approach to modern fan interactions.
But Camilla isn’t the only one bending the rules; Prince William also took a relaxed approach at engagements in Sheffield in March and in London in June.
Queen Camilla meets members of the public during a walkabout at the Sydney Opera House on October 22, 2024, in Australia. | Source: Getty Images
Much like William’s recent selfie moments, Camilla’s interactions with fans during their six-day tour marked a shift in how the royal family adapts to modern public interactions.
It was also the royal couple’s first visit to the region since Charles ascended the throne.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Sydney Opera House on October 22, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
Among their official duties was the historic task of signing Australia’s first Bible and Book of Common Prayer, a tradition upheld by every visiting royal.
The late Queen Elizabeth II signed it in 1954 during her historic visit, and Charles continued the tradition, adding his signature beneath the late Princess of Wales’s from 1983.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla look at the Book of Common Prayer during a visit to St. Thomas’s Anglican Church on October 20, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
In Samoa, Camilla and Charles spent four days visiting communities, receiving a warm welcome, and enjoying events celebrating the island’s traditions and beauty.
At the time, Charles planted a tree in a garden dedicated to him, supporting the island’s “Talafalu for Pepe a’e” program to protect the endangered Samoan swallowtail butterfly.
Another highlight was a royal dinner for Commonwealth leaders at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, where Samoan and British teams worked together to create an unforgettable evening in the gardens honoring the late Treasure Island author.
King Charles III and the Prime Minister of Samoa Naomi Mata’afa at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum reception and dinner in Apia, Samoa on October 25, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
On their final day, the couple attended a farewell ceremony celebrating local culture.
Camilla became teary-eyed and was seen wiping beneath her eyes while shielding her face with an ornate fan.
Queen Camilla | Source: Getty Images
Video footage posted on TikTok by the Daily Mail’s royals account offered followers a closer look at her emotional response and contextualized Camilla’s tears.
Queen Camilla | Source: Getty Images
In the post’s caption, the account explained that Camilla began crying when Samoan leaders paid tribute to Charle and mentioned his ongoing battle with cancer.
Queen Camilla crying during the Samoa farewell, posted on October 28, 2024 | Source: TikTok/dailymailroyals
She later cried tears of joy as she laughed at how the rain had disrupted some of the proceedings by causing technical difficulties.
Queen Camilla | Source: Getty Images
With her recent tours, Queen Camilla has shown unwavering dedication to her royal duties.
She has reportedly completed a documentary on domestic violence awareness, airing next week, despite recent health setbacks.
