Queen Camilla was notably absent from Remembrance Sunday due to illness, leaving the Princess of Wales to be accompanied on the balcony by Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, who stepped in to support Kate. It has now been disclosed how Camilla commemorated the day while recuperating from a chest infection at home.
The Queen privately observed the two minutes’ silence, watching the proceedings live on television from her Wiltshire residence, Raymill, after being advised by doctors to miss the moving annual ceremony. She was reportedly disappointed not to join the Royal family, including the King and the Princess of Wales, at the Cenotaph for the veterans’ parade in honour of those servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Royal physicians recommended that Camilla take additional rest days to fully recover from a seasonal bug she contracted following her extensive trip to Australia and Samoa. There were also concerns about her potentially spreading the illness, with the King still receiving cancer treatment and Kate recovering from the disease.
As per tradition, even if she had been present, Camilla’s wreath was laid at the Cenotaph on her behalf by her equerry Major Ollie Plunket, of The Rifles.
A heartfelt handwritten tribute from the Queen, stating « In everlasting remembrance » and signed ‘Camilla R’, adorned a wreath that bore a striking resemblance to that traditionally used by Charles’s late grandmother, the Queen Mother. The wreath featured 95 bespoke poppy petals, crafted from bonded fabric and placed atop a background of black leaves, with a ribbon reflecting Camilla’s racing silk colours.
Major Plunket respectfully positioned the wreath beside the King’s and saluted in honour, reports the Mirror.
The Queen Consort deeply wished to personally commemorate the nation’s fallen heroes during this weekend’s ceremonies. Her reverence for the Cenotaph service, an integral part of the Royal schedule, stems from her personal ties to the military and her father Major Bruce Shand’s distinguished service record.
However, on doctor’s orders for additional recuperation, Camilla was absent from the poignant Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday night.
Pending medical advice, the Queen anticipates returning to the capital next week. Numerous commitments await her, including a Booker Prize reception at Clarence House on Tuesday, a gala palace event paying homage to the TV and film sectors, and accompanying the King to Wednesday’s glamorous international launch of Gladiator II.
Moreover, Thursday marks a special occasion: the King’s 76th birthday celebrations.
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