Queen Camilla has been diagnosed with pneumonia, Buckingham Palace has confirmed. During the state visit of Qatar’s Emir and his wife, the Queen disclosed to attendees that her recent chest infection was actually a form of lung disease.
Camilla is currently dealing with post-viral fatigue and has had to skip the outdoor activities of the Qatari visit on the advice of her doctors, who have recommended she take additional time to recuperate. The Queen did not require hospitalisation but is contending with periods of severe exhaustion.
It has been clarified that Camilla’s illness was viral rather than bacterial, and she is no longer suffering from pneumonia.
The Queen was absent from the outdoor ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade on Tuesday due to the chilly weather, reports the Mirror.
This update follows an announcement by the Palace just yesterday that Camilla would be unable to attend the ceremonial welcome for the Qatari state visit, as she is still recovering from a chest infection that has significantly depleted her energy levels. This infection came about after her extensive travels to Australia and Samoa.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace stated: “The Queen has been suffering from a viral infection which has been diagnosed as pneumonia.”
They added: “Her Majesty has not required hospital treatment but is experiencing lingering side effects, chiefly suffering extreme bouts of tiredness which has meant the need for greater flex in her working diary.”
“Her symptoms have been persistent for a number of weeks but fortunately she is well enough to attend several engagements for the Qatari state visit and looks forward to returning to a full schedule as soon as possible.”
The Queen’s ongoing health issues have led her to withdraw from previous commitments, most notably earlier in November when she was absent from several Remembrance Day commemorative events.
She did not participate in the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance or the traditional Cenotaph wreath laying, which King Charles and other UK dignitaries attended.
Instead, she marked the occasion “privately at home”.
Additionally, the Queen had to cancel her appearance at the Royal Variety Performance last week. Buckingham Palace issued a statement regarding her continued symptoms.
The palace announced before the event that she “continues to experience some lingering post-viral symptoms”, and would be resting following doctors’ advice.
Royal insiders have confirmed that there has been no change in Camilla’s diagnosis or treatment, emphasising that the Queen requires time to rest and recuperate fully, a task made more difficult by a packed diary, such as during the state visit.
While no significant alterations to her diary are anticipated for the remainder of the week, the Queen has been counselled by her medical team to take each day as it comes.
Meanwhile, this event signifies the beginning of a more active week for Kate, who has been gradually stepping up her public engagements following the completion of her chemotherapy treatment in the summer.
The princess is set to host her yearly Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Friday. She is anticipated to be accompanied by her children and husband for the occasion.