Queen Camilla to host Booker Prize reception after suffering chest infection, palace says
The Queen Consort was forced to pull out of her planned engagements after contracting a chest infection.
Queen Camilla, wife of Britain's King Charles III, has been forced to pull out of her planned engagements this week after suffering a chest infection, Buckingham Palace said on Tuesday.
Camilla, 77, is resting at home while she recovers, but no further details of her illness have been given, as is usual with royal medical issues.
"Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest," a palace spokesperson 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."
Queen Camilla to host Booker Prize reception following chest infection
Despite her recent illness, Queen Camilla is scheduled to host a reception at Clarence House on Nov. 12 to celebrate the authors and books shortlisted for this year's Booker Prize, the leading literary award in the English-speaking world.
The shortlisted authors for the 2024 Booker Prize include Percival Everett, Samantha Harvey, Rachel Kushner, Anne Michaels, Yael van der Wouden and Charlotte Wood.
Camilla, who patronized numerous literacy organizations during her tenure as Duchess of Cornwall, hosted a similar reception for the shortlisted authors of the 2023 Booker Prize.
"As an avid reader, The Queen has a strong interest in shining a spotlight on the importance of literacy and has long been recognized as a key supporter in the U.K. and internationally," Buckingham Palace said in a statement Tuesday. "Her Majesty understands the joy of reading and the impact of literacy in creating life opportunities."
King Charles, Princess Kate also face health battles
Camilla's announcement comes amid Charles' own health concerns. The king was diagnosed with cancer in February, the palace announced at the time. Before his diagnosis was revealed, Charles underwent a "corrective procedure" at The London Clinic after the palace had previously announced that the 75-year-old monarch was seeking treatment for an enlarged prostate. The palace has not revealed what type of cancer the king was diagnosed with.
The king has since returned to public-facing duties.
Meanwhile, Princess Kate announced in September that she had completed chemotherapy following her own cancer diagnosis. In March, the Princess of Wales announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer and would undergo preventive chemotherapy. Kate said in her September update that she is now focusing on "doing what I can to stay cancer-free," but she said that her "path to healing and full recovery" remains "long."
The princess has made somewhat of a return to public duties, making a surprise appearance with Prince William in Southport, England, to meet with emergency services representatives and families of the victims of a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
Contributing: Paste BN Entertainment staff; Michael Holden, Reuters