Queen Camilla is set to take a well-deserved holiday after an “exhausting” few weeks stepping in for King Charles following his cancer diagnosis. The 76-year-old has taken on extra duties and engagements since the King stepped back from public life last month to undergo treatment.
As reported by Daily Mail, A source said the Queen will take a private flight overseas tomorrow for some rest and relaxation in the sunshine. It comes after a busy week leading the royal family in King Charles’ absence.
On Monday, Camilla hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace for the 500 Words children’s writing competition. The following day, she represented the Crown at a memorial service for the late King Constantine of Greece at Windsor.
Prince William was originally due to attend but had to pull out at the last minute due to a personal matter. His wife Kate has also been absent from duties as she recovers from abdominal surgery at their Norfolk home.
With Charles focused on his health and William and Kate both out of action, Camilla has taken the reins in recent weeks. Since the King’s cancer diagnosis, she has carried out 13 official solo engagements.
Royal expert Ingrid Seward said: “This will raise the question of who’s in charge at such a vital time and with so many key royals out of action.”
However, a source insisted Camilla has been “buoyed” by the public support she has received. They said: “Although she was not expecting to find herself in the position of leading the family, the Queen is absolutely willing to do whatever needs to be done for the institution.”
It’s understood Charles himself has told his wife to take a break after seeing how exhausted she has become. Royal author Seward explained: “He will see that she is exhausted after recent months. Camilla has had the ultimate worry about her husband’s health. But she has also been the one stepping up to the busy schedule of royal engagements as well as wanting to be there for him and Kate during their health issues. She certainly deserves some rest and relaxation.”
The Queen will resume duties on March 11th when she stands in for Charles at the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey. In the meantime, other royals including William, Princess Anne and Prince Edward will take on engagements as normal.
Camilla’s holiday comes amid continued speculation over Kate’s prolonged absence. The Princess of Wales has not been seen in public since Christmas but a Kensington Palace spokesman insisted she “continues to recover well”.
They said: “The Princess’ team of doctors have advised her to continue recovering at home for the next few weeks before returning to public life in time for Easter.”
So while the public may see less of Camilla over the coming days, she remains willing to take on extra responsibility during this difficult period for the royals. With Charles focused on treatment and William and Kate still out of action, her steady leadership has been invaluable.
A well-earned rest in the sunshine seems a fitting reward for holding the fort over an exhausting few weeks. The Queen can recharge her batteries, safe in the knowledge capable hands like William and Anne are still on deck carrying out royal duties back home.
