Queen Camilla recently opened up about her ongoing battle with fatigue due to pneumonia, which was diagnosed in early November.
During several public appearances, she discussed how her recovery has impacted her royal duties and participation in important events, PEOPLE reported.
Queen Camilla's health concerns came to light when Buckingham Palace announced in early November 2024 that she had contracted a chest infection, subsequently diagnosed as pneumonia. This illness caused her considerable fatigue, compelling her to adjust her royal schedule. Her Majesty spoke candidly about her condition during a reception on December 5, 2024, noting that she was "still a bit tired" and the recovery was a gradual process.
The reception, held in London, marked the 50th anniversary of Women's Aid, a charity dedicated to ending domestic violence against women and children. It coincided with the United Nation's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The Queen has been a fervent supporter of the organization, emphasizing its importance at public gatherings.
As her recovery continued, Queen Camilla first publicized her illness in early November, leading her to miss several key events, including the traditional Remembrance events on November 9 and 10. Despite this setback, she returned to her royal responsibilities shortly thereafter. On November 12, during a reception, she mentioned still experiencing a cough but expressed her dedication to her duties, stating, "I'm obviously getting much better, a bit of sort of coughing going on. I really wanted to come."
Her participation in the state visit from Qatar on December 3, 2024, was also limited due to her health. While she attended some events, her schedule was noticeably lighter than usual. This adaptation underscored her ongoing battle with the lingering effects of her illness.
Alice Liveing, a Women's Aid ambassador, shared her interaction with Queen Camilla at the anniversary event, highlighting the Queen's determination. "I asked how she was feeling. She said she was feeling pretty tired but was trying to juggle some bits," Living noted. This personal insight provided a glimpse into the Queen’s efforts to balance her health with her royal obligations.
The necessity for adjustments became apparent as Queen Camilla's health forced her to withdraw from high-profile events. She missed both the Gladiator II premiere on November 13 and the Royal Variety Performance on November 22. These absences signaled the seriousness of her condition and the need for a careful approach to her public engagements.
Despite these challenges, the Queen's public appearances have been met with support from the public and charity representatives. Her discussions about her health have opened conversations about the pressures and responsibilities faced by public figures dealing with health issues.
Buckingham Palace has been transparent about the Queen's health, issuing statements to keep the public informed. An early statement highlighted the need for rest prescribed by her doctors: "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...
The timing of the Women's Aid 50th anniversary event during the UN's activism period against gender-based violence underscored the significance of Queen Camilla's support for such causes, even amidst personal health struggles. Her presence at these events, despite her health, highlights her commitment to supporting important social issues.
The Queen’s open discussion about her health struggles at public events has not only showcased her resilience but also brought attention to the crucial work of charities like Women’s Aid. As she continues to recover, the scaling back of her duties reflects a necessary adjustment to maintain her health while fulfilling her royal responsibilities.
As 2024 draws to a close, the royal family and their supporters remain hopeful for Queen Camilla's full recovery. Her ongoing efforts to manage her duties while addressing her health are a testament to her commitment to her role and the causes she champions.
