Queen Camilla Speaks Out for First Time on Recovery After Chest Infection: 'Hopefully, I'm on the Mend'

Mar. 15, 2025

Queen Camilla at a reception for The Booker Prize Foundation at Clarence House in London on Nov. 12, 2024.Photo:Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty

Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty

Queen Camillais Queen Camilla is speaking about her health for the first time since the palace revealed she had to step back from royal engagements due to achest infection.

The Queen, 77, returned to her royal duties on Nov. 12, a week after the palace shared news of her illness, which required her to cancel her scheduled engagements. As she continued her recovery, she also opted out ofjoining the royal family for Remembrance eventsover the weekend to prioritize her health.

During a reception at Clarence House for The Booker Prize Foundation, she shared an update on how she’s feeling.

“I really wanted to come,” she added about the event, which took place at her Clarence House home in London.

Queen Camilla speaks with Percival Everett at a reception for The Booker Prize Foundation at Clarence House in London on Nov. 12, 2024.Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty

In another clip sharedX, Camilla is heard saying: “I’m on the mend, these things always take a bit of time to get rid of. You think you got rid of it, they just sort of hang on for a bit,” as she spoke with American author Percival Everett, whose bookJamesis shortlisted for this year’s Booker Prize.

“But hopefully, I’m on the mend now. It’s nice to see you again,” she added.

Literacy is a cause close to heart forKing Charles' wife, who has long supported several literary organizations, including the Booker Prize, and is known to be a keen reader. She appeared at the engagement ahead of the Booker Prize 2024 ceremony, which is being held in London this evening.

Although she attended Tuesday’s event, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Queen Camilla will not accompany King Charles on the red carpet for theGladiator IIfilm premiere on Wednesday, Nov. 13. PEOPLE understands this decision was made as a precaution, easing her transition back to public duties without added strain.

Queen Camilla (center) at a reception for The Booker Prize Foundation at Clarence House in London on Nov. 12, 2024.Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty

The Clarence House outing marked Queen Camilla’s return to work after the palace announced on Nov. 5 that she had fallen ill with a chest infection and would be canceling her plans for the week. The King and Queen had recently returned from a long-distance trip to Australia and Samoa for a royal tour in October, the first official trip to a Commonwealth realm of his royal reign.

“Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest,” the statement from the palace said. “With great regret, Her Majesty has therefore had to withdraw from her engagements for this week, but she very much hopes to be recovered in time to attend this weekend’s Remembrance events as normal. She apologizes to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.”

In the interim, the Queen rested privately at home under the care of her doctors. The royal schedule shifted, withBirgitte, the Duchess of Gloucesterand King Charles each stepping up at events on Nov. 7 in her stead.

Despite the Queen’s wish to join her family at the weekend’s Remembrance events, Buckingham Palace confirmed on Nov. 9 that the Queenwould not be thereas she continued recovering from a “seasonal chest infection.”

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

PEOPLE understood that there was no cause for concern for the Queen, who was spending the weekend at Ray Mill Wiltshire, her private home in the countryside.

Queen Camilla at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph on Nov. 12, 2023.Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty

Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty

She did not want to pass on any lingering infection to others and was worried that attending the events would prolong her recovery.

King Charles,Prince WilliamandKate Middletonstepped out together at the Festival of Remembrance on Nov. 10 and Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph war memorial on Nov. 11, staple events on the royal family’s annual calendar to commemorate British and Commonwealth lives lost in war.

Kate Middleton, Prince William, King Charles, Princess Anne and more royals at the Festival of Remembrance at Royal Albert Hall in London on Nov. 9, 2024.CHRIS J RATCLIFFE/POOL/AFP via Getty

CHRIS J RATCLIFFE/POOL/AFP via Getty

On Nov. 12, the day after Remembrance Sunday, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Queen Camilla will not join her husband King Charles on the red carpet later this week, on Nov. 13.

PEOPLE understands that the decision is a precaution and to lighten any strain on the Queen as she gradually resumes public-facing work.

source: people.com