Her Royal Highness returned to work on November 12, 2024 — but with scaled back hours.
How is Queen Camilla?
According to the latest updates from Buckingham Palace, the 77-year-old is following doctors’ guidance to ensure a full recovery from her seasonal chest infection, including missing some royal events, such as Remembrance Sunday.
The palace has emphasised that this is a precautionary measure for her recovery and to protect others from any potential risk.
While her condition doesn’t appear severe, it has been significant enough to warrant missing these important events, which is “a source of great disappointment to the Queen”.
Timeline of Queen Camilla’s Illness
October 30
Camilla returned to the UK following her tour of Australia and Samoa alongside King Charles.
Shortly after their return, the Queen began experiencing symptoms of a chest infection.
November 5
Buckingham Palace issued an initial statement revealing that Queen Camilla was unwell with a chest infection.
A palace spokesman said: “Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest.
“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.
“She apologises to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.”
Her doctors advised a short period of rest, leading to her withdrawal from engagements for the following week.
November 7
The Queen missed the annual Field of Remembrance event at Westminster Abbey.
The Duchess of Gloucester agreed to represent Camilla at the Field of Remembrance.
November 9
Buckingham Palace announced that Queen Camilla would not participate in the weekend’s Remembrance events, including the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday night and the Sunday service at the Cenotaph.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “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.
“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.”
Adhering to medical advice, Camilla was unable to attend The Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday evening.
November 10
The Queen Consort missed the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph, following the advice of her doctors.
Standing outside in cold weather could have had a negative effect on Her Majesty’s recovery.
November 12
Queen Camilla hosted a Booker Prize afternoon reception with shortlisted authors at Clarence House.
However, she was in attendance for a shorter period than planned.
Her Majesty told guests: “I’m on the mend, these things always take a bit of time to get rid of.
“But hopefully I’m on the mend now.”
November 13
Camilla will not join the King for the London premier of Gladiator II on Wednesday evening.
November 14
The Queen had hoped to join the King on his 76th birthday bash to open a Coronation Food Project.
But due to her health concerns, she has had to pull out.
Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors
Prior to her illness, Camilla recorded a TV documentary raising awareness about domestic violence.
Speaking in her first documentary since the Coronation, the Queen vows: “If you look at the steps that we’ve taken, we have made a huge amount of progress.
“I shall keep on trying until I’m able to no more.”
Her Majesty added: “Coercive control is the most frightening bit of abuse.
“You meet somebody, you think they’re wonderful, and then, bit by bit, they start to undermine you.”
The documentary Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors airs on Monday, November 1 at 9pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player
Future Plans
Despite her illness, there is optimism about Camilla’s recovery.
In the latest statement, Buckingham Palace expressed hope that the Queen would be able to return to public duties the week after the Remembrance engagements she was forced to miss due to illness.
While the infection has been disruptive, it is not expected to have long-term effects on her ability to perform royal duties.
Following the success of their nine-day tour Down Under, the King and Queen have lined up two major tours in 2025, including a royal visit to Italy.
While Their Majesties are set to resume a full schedule of foreign tours, the second destination has yet to be agreed.
Royal Health in 2024
Queen Camilla’s illness comes in a year that has been particularly challenging for the Royal Family’s health.
Both King Charles and Princess Kate faced cancer battles in 2024.
While The Princess of Wales has recovered, King Charles continues his treatment, though he has resumed many of his public duties.
The Queen is expected to recover fully and return to her public duties, continuing her important role in supporting her husband and representing the Royal Family at official events.
