Queen Camilla is speaking out about her health.
The Queen, 77, reduced her duties for the Qatar state visit while recovering from a chest infection last month, and has now explained what occurred.
On Tuesday, Camilla told guests at the Buckingham Palace festivities for the incoming state visit that her recent chest infection was a form of pneumonia. Despite recovering well, Queen Camilla continues to experience episodic symptoms of post-viral fatigue from the infection announced by the palace on Nov. 5.
On the eve of the Qatari state visit, the palace noted King Charles III‘s wife wouldn’t be at the traditional kickoff at Horse Guards Parade in London. Camilla would have been out in the cold and likely traveled back to the palace by carriage for the occasion.
But nonetheless, the royal member appeared in good spirits as she arrived by car at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday and stepped out solo for the event.
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 also confirmed on the eve of the state visit that Camilla would be reducing her role at the glam state banquet later on Dec. 3 in light of her health. Although she is expected to pose for photos with the Amir and Sheikha Jawaher, she will then retire during the traditional receiving line. Camilla is however expected to attend the dinner, and 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, as state visits are a way for Britain to boost diplomatic bonds. The visit from Qatar was announced in October, and a month later it was revealed that Kate Middleton and Prince William would help with the welcome on Dec. 3.
Princess Kate, 42, participated in the pageantry, from greeting the guests of honor to the Horse Guards Parade pomp and even the carriage ride back to the palace. The Princess of Wales is continuing to resume her royal duties after completing chemotherapy in September.
The princess has spent much of this year behind closed doors following her abdominal surgery in January which was closely followed by her cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
But her husband has now offered a promising update on her health, revealing Kate will assume a more active role in the royal fold in 2025.
“I think, hopefully, Catherine will be doing a bit more next year,” the Prince of Wales, 42, told reporters last month, per The Guardian. “So, we’ll have some more trips maybe lined up.”
Kate announced in September that she is now “cancer-free.”
“I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” she announced in a statement on X.
“Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.”
