Queen Camilla is being forced to scale back her appearance at tomorrow’s State Visit by the Emir of Qatar as she is still suffering from the ‘lingering’ side effects of a ‘nasty viral chest infection’. The 77-year-old royal – who first fell ill at the beginning of November – is said to be feeling particularly ‘fatigued’ and has pulled out of the ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade on doctor’s advice.
A Revised Schedule
However, Queen Camilla will still attend a lunch to honour the Qatari ruler and his wife at Buckingham Palace and will attend most elements of the State Banquet in the evening. So as not to exhaust her, she will greet her and King Charles’ VIP guests and pose for photographs before retiring during a lengthy receiving line – before returning for the dinner. Sources have stressed there is no cause for alarm, describing her as having had a ‘nasty viral chest infection’ which continues to ‘have some lingering side effects, in particular leaving Her Majesty with significantly diminished reserves of energy.’
A Sensible Precaution
As a result, her doctors have advised some ‘tweaks’ to her programme. Her decision not to join the King at Horse Guards for a full ceremonial welcome and open-air carriage drive back to Buckingham Palace on a cold morning was a sensible precaution given the nature of her illness, they underscored. The latest update from Buckingham Palace comes on the same day it was announced the Princess of Wales will now undertake even more royal duties than previously planned at tomorrow’s state visit.
The Princess of Wales Takes on More Responsibilities
Catherine, 42, will undertake her most significant public engagement since she began cancer treatment as she welcomes the Emir of Qatar to London on behalf of the King. She will also take part in an official welcome on Horse Guards and a carriage procession back to Buckingham Palace. And it has now been confirmed that she also will join the royal party for a private lunch at the monarch’s official residence and stay to view a display of priceless Qatari artefacts from the Royal Collection afterwards.
A Significant Engagement
The only aspect of the day she will miss will be tomorrow evening’s glittering State Banquet. The Princess of Wales’s increased involvement in the state visit is seen as a significant engagement, marking her return to royal duties after undergoing cancer treatment. The visit is also seen as an opportunity for the Royal Family to strengthen ties with Qatar, a key ally in the Middle East.
A Royal Welcome
The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al-Thani arrived in the UK today, ahead of tomorrow’s state visit. They were greeted by the Lord Chamberlain and other officials at Stansted Airport. The state visit is expected to be a significant event, with a range of ceremonies and engagements planned over the next few days.