S Poddar
Queen Camilla will not be attending tonight’s Royal Variety Performance after developing health issues linked to a chest infection she contracted recently. Buckingham Palace said Her Majesty’s doctors have advised her to rest following several recent engagements.
A palace spokesman said, “After having contracted a recent chest infection, The Queen remains with some residual post-viral symptoms on which doctors have advised her that, having had such a heavy week of engagements, Her Majesty needs to get plenty of rest. She has therefore, with much regret, withdrawn from attending tonight’s Royal Variety Performance. His Majesty will attend as planned.”
According to sources close to the royal family, the Queen, of course, is disappointed that she will miss the event, as it has long been a significant part of the royal calendar. One insider said, “[She’s] naturally disappointed to miss the evening’s entertainments, and sends her sincere apologies to all those involved, but is a great believer that the show must go on. She hopes to be back to full strength and regular public duties very soon.”
King Charles III will attend the event on behalf of the royal family in his wife’s absence. In turn, Camilla the Queen is expected to spend the night in London and travel as scheduled to Sandringham tomorrow.
This week has been managed carefully with regard to her engagements for Queen Camilla as she continues her recovery. Every one of her engagements was looked at on a case-by-case basis to ensure she did not overextend herself. Despite health challenges, she is able to participate in select royal duties.
Over the week, she hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace, where she was seen chatting warmly with Geri Horner, formerly of the Spice Girls. In the same event, tribute was paid to British acting legend Dame Maggie Smith in a touching moment with the actress’s son.
While being absent from the Royal Variety Performance is sad for her and for many people attending it, Queen Camilla’s health conditions are prioritized. The performance, an embodiment of British entertainment, will hold with King Charles attending to continue the tradition.
The Queen’s health scare is proof that balancing royal commitments and personal well-being is of prime importance, especially during a recovery period. There is still hope that she will regain her strength to go back to her typical active role in the royal family.
