Where was Queen Camilla? Why she didn’t stand next to Kate Middleton on Remembrance Sunday

Queen Camille was absent from several royal family events during her recovery from a infection of the chest.

On November 11 King Charles, Prince William, Kate Middletonwhich was recently completed chemotherapy treatmentand other members of the royal family gathered at the Cenotaph war memorial in London for Remembrance Sunday, honoring those who died in conflict. However, Queen Camilla was noticeably absent, having withdrawn from all royal duties this week and weekend due to her ongoing illness.

In a statement on November 9, Buckingham Palace announced that the Queen would not join the Royal Family for major commemorative events.

“Following doctors’ guidelines to ensure a full recovery from a seasonal respiratory infection and to protect others from any potential risk, Her Majesty will not attend this weekend’s commemorative events,” the statement said.

“While this is a source of great disappointment to the Queen, she will celebrate the occasion privately at home and hopes to return to public duties early next week,” the report said.

Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh on a balcony at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph on November 10, 2024 in London.

Aaron Chown/PA images via Getty


Camilla is usually seen sitting next to Kate on the balcony above the Cenotaph, but this year Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh took her place, next to Kate. The two were spotted having a brief conversation during the solemn event. As they reentered the building after the ceremony, Sophie was seen gently wrapping a protective arm around Kate.

Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh on a balcony at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph on November 10, 2024 in London.

Aaron Chown/PA images via Getty


This weekend’s events marked Kate’s first official appearance together with the royal family in months. In September, she revealed that she had completed chemotherapy, which she started in February after being diagnosed with cancer.

Camilla has appeared at the Cenotaph event almost every year since she married King Charles in 2005, with the few exceptions being when the couple were on royal tours.

On November 5, Buckingham Palace announced that the Queen, 77, was ill with a respiratory infection and had unfortunately had to cancel her engagements for the remainder of the week.

“Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a respiratory infection for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest,” the palace statement said. “It is with great regret that Her Majesty has therefore had to withdraw from her commitments for this week, but she very much hopes that she will recover in time to attend this weekend’s commemorative events as normal. She apologizes to anyone who may experience any inconvenience or disappointment. a result.”

King Charles III and the Princess Royal, followed by the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in London on November 10, 2024.

Jordan Pettitt/PA images via Getty


Queen Camilla took time to rest privately at home under the care of her doctors, and other members of the family took her place. Bridget, Duchess of Gloucester represented the Queen at the Field of Remembrance event at Westminster Abbey on November 7, an annual event organized by the charity The Poppy Factory which supports Camilla as a patron, and King Charles turned organize a reception solo for British athletes who have medaled at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Members of the Royal Family during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in London. Date of photo: Sunday, November 10, 2024.

James Manning/PA Images via Getty


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Commemorating Remembrance Day events on November 11, also known as Veterans Day in the US, is an important tradition for the British royal family, as the monarch is commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

This year the solemn service was attended by the King, 75, the Prince and Princess of Wales, both 42, Prince Edward, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, Prince Richardthe Duke of Gloucester, Bridget, Duchess of Gloucester And Prince Edwardthe Duke of Kent.