Queen Camilla has been hailed as the monarchy’s ‘saviour’ for helping her husband King Charles during his cancer treatment, but she too has suffered a number of health struggles over the years
Queen Camilla too ill to attend Remembrance weekend events
Queen Camilla has had her share of health woes over the years but has managed to keep powering on through broken bones, serious surgery, and even shockingly inaccurate rumours.
The 77-year-old Queen Consort has thrown herself into the hectic life as a King’s wife at an age when many would prefer to put their feet up. But even she has had to take a step back in recent days while recovering from a seasonal chest infection.
The illness saw Camilla miss Sunday’s Remembrance Day service to focus on her recovery, however, Buckingham Palace has now reassured fans that she is returning to her duties, albeit at a slightly slower pace than usual.
Although royal life may well seem luxurious, the Queen has had to keep smiling and shaking hands through some excruciating injuries over the years, which include a broken toe at the worst possible time in the family’s recent history. Here, the Mirror takes a look at some of Camilla’s painful health battles.
This year, Queen Camilla has been focused on King Charles’ health following his cancer diagnosis, and has been heaped with praise for keeping ‘the show on the road’ during the monarch’s absence from his royal duties earlier this year.
However, Her Majesty, who has been hailed as the monarchy’s ‘saviour’ after a particularly difficult 12 months, has also endured a number of health struggles over the years and was even secretly nursing a broken toe during her early days as the new Queen Consort.
Despite being in pain, Camilla was said to have been an ‘absolute trouper’ as her husband Charles acceded to the throne in 2022, even standing during lengthy public appearances including the late Queen Elizabeth II’s lying in state.
The former Mrs Parker Bowles has also contracted Covid twice – the second time being in February 2022, which saw her cancel engagements and spend time resting.
Back in 2019, while still Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla pulled out of a gala dinner on the advice of doctors after contracting a chest infection. One day later, she missed an event at Westminster Abbey’s Field of Remembrance with Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Clarence House said at the time that the infection had progressively worsened.
The year 2010 proved to be a particularly trying one for Camilla, who spent several days in the hospital followed by a six-week rest period after undergoing a hysterectomy – a major procedure to remove her womb. Aides confirmed at the time that the surgery was not cancer-related.
That same year, Camilla broke her left leg while walking in Scotland. But just as she would one day do during her husband’s early reign, she soldiered on regardless, carrying out engagements while her leg was still in plaster. She managed to get about with the help of crutches, an NHS wheelchair, and even a mobility scooter, which she rode in while presenting Afghanistan campaign medals to soldiers from A Company 4th Battalion The Rifles at Bulford Camp, near Salisbury, Wiltshire. Once her cast was finally removed, Camilla quipped: “I’ll be glad to get back in the Jimmy Choos.”
Like her husband, the King, Queen Camilla has at times suffered from back problems and, also in 2010, a painful trapped nerve forced her to cancel a series of engagements in Poland during her and Charles’ tour of Eastern Europe. Therefore, to ensure greater comfort, a royal cushion is sometimes brought along for Camilla during engagements.
In terms of keeping fit and healthy, Camilla makes sure to keep active. She’s known to have a love of ballet, and attends weekly Royal Academy of Dance Silver Swan classes with pals. Like Charles, Camilla likes getting out and about walking in the fresh country air, and also shares his passion for gardening and painting.
Although the Queen was once a heavy smoker – a habit Charles is said to hate – it’s understood that she quit many years ago.
The Queen, who has spent several days resting at home under doctor’s orders, has returned to her public duties as of today, and will attend a Booker Prize reception at Clarence House. However, it’s understood she will be meeting guests for a shorter period than initially planned, as she continues on her road to recovery.
On Wednesday, Camilla will also accompany her husband King Charles III to a Palace reception to celebrate the TV and film industry, but won’t be in attendance for the full engagement. She also won’t be attending the glittering premiere of Gladiator II on Wednesday evening.
You can stream Queen Camilla’s new ITV documentary Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors on ITV Player now.
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