Queen Camilla Taking a Break From Royal Duties After Filling in for King Charles III

Queen Camilla is reportedly taking more than a week off from royal engagements after filling in for King Charles III during his cancer treatments, with her expected to return for Commonwealth Day.

By Lindsay Weinberg Mar 02, 2024 10:30 PMTags
Watch: King Charles' Wife Queen Camilla Takes a Break From Royal Duties

Queen Camilla is taking some time off.

After stepping in for King Charles III amid his cancer diagnosis, the queen has no royal duties scheduled for over a week, according to her schedule viewed by The Times.

The 76-year-old will resume her public appearances at Westminster Abbey on March 11 for Commonwealth Day, which celebrates 56 member states across Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe on the second Monday of March each year. Camilla is expected to represent the crown at the annual celebration, per the outlet.

In the meantime, the online royal diary notes that Charles' siblings Princess Anne and Prince Edward will represent the British family at most upcoming events in the next week, including visits to the Right Stuff Amateur Boxing Club, Freewheelers Theatre, Rising Brook Community Church, Savoy Chapel, National Equine Forum and more outings.

The king has been taking time out of the public eye since he shared his cancer diagnosis on Feb. 5.

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King Charles III's Road to the Throne

"During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted," read a statement from Buckingham Palace at the time. "Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties."

As Charles continues to focus on his health, the 75-year-old has offered the occasional update, including a public message on Feb. 10 to show his gratitude.  

Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

"I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received," he wrote in a letter posted to Instagram. "As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement."

In his absence, Camilla has kept a busy schedule, meeting with Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska at Clarence House on Feb. 29, attending a reception for the BBC's 500 Words Finalists at Buckingham Palace on Feb. 28 and stepping out for a memorial service for Greek King Constantine II on Feb. 27.

Yui Mok-WPA Pool/Getty Images

However, the next in line for the throne, Prince William has been noticeably absent from some events in recent weeks as his wife Kate Middleton recovers from a scheduled abdominal surgery

Kensington Palace shared in January that Kate—who was last seen publicly on Christmas 2023—is unlikely to return to her role until after Easter.

While her team has said the Princess of Wales is doing "well," further details have not been disclosed on her surgery or recovery process.

"Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the princess' recovery and we'd only be providing significant updates," her spokesperson told E! News Feb. 29. "That guidance stands." 

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Read on for more updates from the royal family this year.

Returning to Public Duties

On April 26, nearly three months after sharing his cancer diagnosis, Buckingham Palace announced that Charles will return to public-facing duties

Queen Camilla Attends Royal Maundy Service

The queen consort attended the Royal Maundy Service on March 28 in place of King Charles III, making her the first spouse of the Monarch to continue the ancient tradition.

Kate Middleton Shares Cancer Diagnosis

In a March 22 video message, the Princess of Wales shared that she'd been diagnosed with cancer after undergoing abdominal surgery in January.

"It was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful," she said before noting that tests after the operation found cancer had been present. "My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment."

Kate Middleton Apologizes for Edited Family Photo Controversy

After photo agencies pulled the picture Kensington Palace shared of Kate since having her abdominal surgery on March 10, the Princess of Wales addressed claims the photo was doctored. 

"Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing," she tweeted on March 11. "I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother's Day. C."

Lady Kitty Spencer Privately Welcomes Baby

Princess Diana's niece celebrated Mother's Day in the U.K. by sharing she and her husband Michael Lewis privately welcomed their first baby.

“It’s the joy of my life to be your mummy, little one. I love you unconditionally," she captioned her March 10 Instagram post. "Happy Mother’s Day to those who celebrate today."

Queen Camilla Takes a Break

After keeping up her full slate of engagements in the wake of her husband's cancer diagnosis, the palace cleared Camilla's schedule.

The Times pointed out March 2 that the 76-year-old didn't have any engagements on her calendar until March 11, when she'd be due at Westminster Abbey to observe Commonwealth Day.

Thomas Kensington Dies at 45

The husband of Lady Gabriella Windsor and ex-boyfriend of Pippa Middleton, was found dead Feb. 25. Days later, a coroner's inquest found that he died by suicide.

King Charles Diagnosed With Cancer

While King Charles III was in the hospital for his benign prostate enlargement procedure, the royal family member was diagnosed with cancer.

"His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties," Buckingham Palace said Feb. 5. "Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible."

Sarah Ferguson Is Diagnosed With a Second Type of Cancer

The Duchess of York's rep said in a statement on Jan. 21 that Sarah was recently diagnosed with malignant melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. Several months prior, she underwent a single mastectomy to treat breast cancer.

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark Abdicates the Throne

On Jan. 14, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark made history as she officially abdicated the throne, handing the crown over to her son, now known as King Frederik the 10th

Kate Middleton Is Hospitalized

Kensington Palace announced on Jan. 17 that Kate Middleton underwent planned abdominal surgery and was set to remain in the hospital for 10 to 14 days.

"Based on the current medical advice," the Palace said, "she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."

Prince William Adjusting His Schedule

Amid Kate's recovery, Prince William postponed a number of engagements as he supported his family, including the couple's three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

King Charles III Undergoing Treatment

Shortly after Kate's hospitalization was made public, Buckingham Palace shared that Charles "has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate."

"His Majesty's condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure," the statement added. "The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation."

Luxembourg Welcomes a New Baby

Princess Claire and Prince Felix of Luxembourg welcomed son Balthazar Felix Karl on Jan. 7, the first royal baby of the New Year!

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