Queen Camilla has cancelled her public engagements for this week after being diagnosed with a chest infection, Buckingham Palace announced on Wednesday. The 77-year-old monarch is resting at home under medical supervision, with hopes to recover in time for this weekend's Remembrance events.
The Duchess of Gloucester will replace Camilla at the annual opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on Thursday. The Queen has also withdrawn from a Buckingham Palace reception for Olympic and Paralympic athletes, which King Charles will host on the same evening.
A palace spokesperson 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.'
The Queen's illness comes after a busy period of royal duties, including a nine-day tour of Australia and Samoa last month, followed by a stop in India for a wellness break. King Charles, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, has been advised to resume a full programme of engagements in 2025.
No further details about Camilla's condition or treatment have been released, but she remains under doctors' care. The King is expected to lead tributes at the Cenotaph on Sunday, with the Queen and other senior royals hoping to attend.
