Queen Camilla has spoken out for the first time regarding her health since it was announced that she had to pull back from royal duties due to a chest infection.
The 77-year-old monarch made her return to public engagements on November 12, just a week after the palace disclosed her illness, which forced her to cancel several scheduled appearances.
Choosing to prioritize her recovery, she also missed the Remembrance events over the weekend.
During a reception at Clarence House for The Booker Prize Foundation, Queen Camilla offered an optimistic update about her well-being.
In a video shared by Daily Mail royal correspondent Rebecca English on social media, she expressed, “I’m obviously getting much better, bit of sort of coughing going on,” as she engaged with guests upon her arrival.
She expressed her eagerness to attend the event held at her London residence, stating, “I really wanted to come.”
This occasion served as a prelude to the upcoming Booker Prize ceremony, highlighting her long-standing support for literary initiatives, a passion that aligns closely with her interests.
In another clip, she reassured attendees, saying, “I’m on the mend; these things always take a bit of time to get rid of.
You think you’ve shaken it off, but they tend to linger.” It was during a conversation with American author Percival Everett, whose book is nominated for this year’s prestigious award, that she shared her recovery progress.
Queen Camilla’s commitment to literacy initiatives is well-known.
She has actively supported numerous literary organizations, including The Booker Prize, showcasing her love for reading and literature.
While she attended the reception, Buckingham Palace later confirmed that she would not be joining King Charles for the red carpet premiere of “Gladiator II” on November 13, citing a cautious approach to her return to public life.
Her appearance at Clarence House marked her first official engagement following the palace’s announcement on November 5 about her illness.
After returning from a lengthy royal tour in Australia and Samoa, the Queen faced health challenges that required her to take a step back from her responsibilities.
A statement from the palace noted, “Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest.” The announcement expressed her regret about needing to withdraw from her engagements and conveyed her hope for a swift return, especially for the important Remembrance events.
During her recovery, the Queen rested under medical supervision at home.
The royal agenda was adjusted accordingly, with other family members, including Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, and King Charles, stepping in to fulfill her commitments while she recuperated.
Despite her desire to participate in the Remembrance events, Buckingham Palace clarified on November 9 that she would be absent, affirming that her health remained the top priority.
The palace stated that this decision was made to ensure her full recovery and to mitigate any risk to others.
While disappointed about missing the events commemorating British and Commonwealth lives lost in conflict, Queen Camilla planned to observe the occasions privately at her home in Wiltshire.
She aimed to avoid any potential spread of lingering illness and minimize the chance of hindering her recovery.
King Charles, alongside Prince William and Kate Middleton, represented the royal family during the Festival of Remembrance and Remembrance Sunday services, which are significant annual observances.
As the royal family paid tribute, Queen Camilla remained focused on her health, ensuring a gradual return to her public role.
As of November 12, Buckingham Palace reiterated that Queen Camilla would not accompany King Charles on the red carpet for the film premiere, emphasizing that this was a precautionary measure to ease her transition back into public engagements while safeguarding her health.
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