The 77-year-old Queen made her first public appearance since contracting a chest infection, attending a Booker Prize reception at Clarence House on Tuesday. She had previously missed both the annual Festival of Remembrance and the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph.
Upon arriving at the reception, Camilla shared that she was “getting much better,” despite still experiencing some coughing. She expressed her desire to attend, telling Gaby Wood, the Booker Prize Foundation’s CEO, “I really wanted to come.”
This event marked her first engagement since she fell ill after a long-haul tour to Australia and Samoa about two-and-a-half weeks ago.
Speaking to American author Percival Everett, who was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2022, she explained, “I think I’m on the mend, but these things always take a bit of time to get rid of. You think you’ve gotten rid of it, and then it just sort of hangs on a little bit, but hopefully, I’m on the mend now.”
Although she attended the reception, Camilla’s appearance was shorter than usual. She also withdrew from the royal premiere of Gladiator II in London on Wednesday due to her health. However, she is still expected to join King Charles at a special palace reception celebrating the TV and film industry, though she may leave early.
These changes to her schedule are said to be in place to ensure her full recovery, with royal doctors carefully managing her recovery to avoid any setbacks.
On Thursday, as King Charles turns 76, he will open the first two Coronation Food Hubs, though Camilla had hoped to join him. Her absence will mark the visit as a solo engagement for the King.
A documentary aired on Monday evening, offering a look at Queen Camilla’s efforts to raise awareness about domestic violence. In Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors, Camilla vowed to “keep trying” to end domestic violence, calling it a “heinous crime.”
