After several demanding weeks shouldering much of the royal workload, Queen Camilla is taking a brief step back from official duties, according to reports.
Hello! reports that the Queen will enjoy a short, week-long break from royal engagements, with her diary completely cleared. She is expected to return to work on March 11, when she will lead the Royal Family at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey. In her absence, other senior royals are set to take over her scheduled appearances.
The pause follows a particularly intense period for the Queen as King Charles continues his cancer treatment. The monarch, who was diagnosed last month after initially being treated for an enlarged prostate, has scaled back public duties while focusing on his recovery.
Adding to the strain, the Princess of Wales has also been recovering following abdominal surgery in January, leaving Prince William to balance family life with royal responsibilities. With both the King and Kate temporarily sidelined, Camilla has stepped in to lead several key engagements, including representing the Royal Family at the memorial service for King Constantine of Greece last week.
Sources say the Queen’s short break will be spent privately with King Charles and other family members — a welcome opportunity for rest and reflection after a busy start to the year.
As for the King, he has been dividing his time between London and Sandringham while continuing treatment. Though the Palace has not disclosed the type or stage of his cancer, officials have emphasized that His Majesty remains “positive and in good spirits.”
During a recent audience with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Charles admitted he had been moved to tears by the public’s messages of support.
Meanwhile, Kate Middleton remains at home recovering from her planned procedure after a 13-day stay at the London Clinic. Kensington Palace has reassured the public that there is “no cause for concern,” reiterating that she is not expected to return to royal duties until after Easter.
Here’s to wishing King Charles and Queen Camilla a peaceful and restorative few days together before returning to their public roles.