Queen Camillais opening up about her health after reducing her duties for the Qatar state visit while recovering from achest infection.
On Dec. 3, the Queen, 77, told guests at the Buckingham Palace festivities for the incoming state visit that her recent chest infection was a form of pneumonia. It’s understood that Queen Camilla is recovering well, but continues to experience episodic symptoms of post-viral fatigue from the chest infection that the palace announced she had on Nov. 5.
Queen Camilla arrives at Buckingham Palace for the Qatar state visit on Dec. 3, 2024.Jonathan Brady - WPA Pool/Getty
Jonathan Brady - WPA Pool/Getty
Instead, 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 confirmed on the eve of the state visit that the Queen was also reducing her role at the glam state banquet later on Dec. 3 in light of her health. Queen Camilla is expected to pose for photos with the Amir and Sheikha Jawaher, but will retire during the traditional receiving line. She is expected to attend the dinner, and will participate in farewells on Dec. 4, the final day of the two-day stay.
Queen Camilla arrives at Buckingham Palace for the Qatar state visit on Dec. 3, 2024.Dan Kitwood/Getty
Dan Kitwood/Getty
The Amir of Qatar and his wife are in the U.K. at the invitation of King Charles, 76, and state visits are a key way for Britain to boost diplomatic bonds. The incoming state visit from Qatar was announced in October, and it was revealed in November thatKate MiddletonandPrince Williamwouldhelp with the welcomeon Dec. 3. It was significant to see Princess Kate, 42, participate in the pageantry, from greeting the guests of honor to the Horse Guards Parade pomp to the carriage ride back to the palace and beyond as she gradually resumes royal duties aftercompleting chemotherapy.
Kate Middleton and Prince William at Buckingham Palace for the Qatar state visit on Dec. 3, 2024.Jonathan Brady - WPA Pool/Getty
The Princess of Wales has been outside of the spotlight for most of 2024 after announcing in March that she was undergoingtreatment for cancerand said in September it was a “relief” to have completed chemo.
Princess Kate isn’t expected at the state banquet this evening, but Queen Camilla will be there. The Queen shifted her schedule for the specifics of the state visit in accordance with doctors' advice, and is experiencing diminished reserves of energy.
The Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, Queen Camilla and King Charles at Buckingham Palace on Dec. 3, 2024.JONATHAN BRADY/POOL/AFP via Getty
JONATHAN BRADY/POOL/AFP via Getty
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It’s understood that there has been no change to her diagnosis or treatment following the Nov. 5 announcement about her chest infection, and she returned to work just a few days later on Nov. 12. There, she spoke about having “a bit of sort of coughing going on” as a lingering symptom, and has since skipped theGladiator IIpremiereon Nov. 13 andRoyal Variety Performanceon Nov. 22 as she continues recuperating.
The Queen is thought to be taking each day as it comes in light of the chest infection, aligning with doctors' advice, and post-viral fatigue symptoms can linger for weeks. Tomorrow, she is due to appear at the Entente Littéraire Prize Ceremony with Birgitte Macron, the First Lady of France, in London.
source: people.com
