Buckingham Palace announced on Tuesday that Queen Camilla withdrew from attending the funeral of the Duchess of Kent as she continues to recover from acute sinusitis.
The announcement came just hours before the arrival of US President Donald Trump on a state visit to the United Kingdom. The queen, 78, is expected to accompany King Charles III during a series of royal engagements scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday as part of the official visit.
“With great regret, Her Majesty The Queen has withdrawn from attendance at this afternoon’s Requiem Mass for The Duchess of Kent as she is recovering from acute sinusitis,” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said in a statement.
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The Duchess of Kent’s Requiem Mass had been expected to draw several senior members of the royal family. While Queen Camilla’s absence was described as unavoidable, palace officials confirmed she remains committed to resuming her duties alongside King Charles once she has sufficiently recovered.
The queen’s health update comes as the palace prepares for an intensive programme of state events, where the royal couple will host President Trump and participate in official ceremonies and banquets.