Queen Camilla diagnosed with pneumonia as Princess of Wales steps in for state visit

Queen Camilla has been diagnosed with pneumonia, Buckingham Palace has said, with a statement revealing the monarch’s wife has been suffering with “persistent” symptoms for “a number of weeks”.

In a fresh health update at lunchtime today (December 3), a statement revealed that Camilla would be missing some parts of the Qatari state visit. It started today, with the Princess of Wales making a radiant reappearance into the spotlight.

Kate’s willingness to return to duties is being seen as a “positive sign” in royal circles, it’s been claimed. Today, she joined Prince William as they welcomed the Emir of Qatar and his three wives to the capital.

After the ceremonial welcome, Kate and William joined the party – including King Charles – for a private lunch at Buckingham Palace. Camilla, meanwhile, missed the ceremonial welcome, instead travelling straight to the palace, where a health update was shared.

The Princess of Wales was on hand for the state visit today (Credit: James Veysey/Shutterstock)

Queen Camilla statement

The Buckingham Palace statement read: “The Queen has been suffering from a viral infection which has been diagnosed as pneumonia.

“Her Majesty has not required hospital treatment but is experiencing lingering side effects, chiefly suffering extreme bouts of tiredness which has meant the need for greater flex in her working diary.

“Her symptoms have been persistent for a number of weeks but fortunately she is well enough to attend several engagements for the Qatari state visit and looks forward to returning to a full schedule as soon as possible.”

However, Camilla will attend tonight’s State Banquet – an event Kate will miss.

Camilla recently withdrew from engagements amid illness (Credit: Cover Images)

Queen Camilla pulls out of Royal Variety Performance

The news on the Queen came after she pulled out of the Royal Variety show at the end of last month due to what was thought to be a chest infection.

The Queen Consort, 77, was advised by her doctors to have a “short period of rest”. As a result, she also missed the Remembrance Day weekend events.

In a statement on November 22, the palace said: “Following a recent chest infection, the Queen continues to experience some lingering post-viral symptoms, as a result of which doctors have advised that, after a busy week of engagements, Her Majesty should prioritise sufficient rest.

“With great regret, she has therefore withdrawn from attendance at tonight’s Royal Variety Performance. His Majesty will attend as planned.”

It came just weeks after Camilla missed Remembrance Day weekend events.

The Queen has been urged to rest, with her diary tweaked accordingly (Credit: Cover Images)
Royal fans sent their well-wishes to Camilla following the latest news.

One person said on X: “Rest is important, nasty colds take quite a while.”

Another wrote: “Our thoughts and best wishes to Queen Camilla.”