Queen Camilla will take a break from royal duties after stepping up official visits since King Charles' cancer diagnosis. Camilla, 76, has no engagements scheduled in the royal diary this week and will likely not resume her duties until March 11, when she is set to stand-in for Charles at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.
Since Charles' cancer diagnosis was revealed on February 5, the King has withdrawn from public duties while he undergoes treatment, though he is continuing other state duties in private. Camilla has undertaken 13 official engagements since then.
Last week, she led the royal family at a memorial service for King Constantine of Greece at St George's Chapel. On Wednesday, she hosted a reception for the '500 words' children's creative writing competition at Buckingham Palace, and on Thursday welcomed Olena Zelenska, Ukraine's first lady, to Clarence House.
A royal source mentioned that Camilla 'has been buoyed by the public's reaction' to her recent leadership role within the family. The source added that the Queen is prepared to do whatever is necessary for the institution.
Royal author Ingrid Seward suggested that Charles would likely have insisted his wife take some time off after a stressful period. Seward noted that Camilla has faced worries about her husband's health while managing a busy schedule of royal engagements.
Prince William and Princess Anne are reportedly continuing their royal engagements as usual, while Kate, the Princess of Wales, is expected to return to her duties after Easter. Kate had undergone planned abdominal surgery in January and was scheduled to step back from royal duties until the end of March.
2024 has been a challenging year for the royal family, with two members facing cancer diagnoses and one recent sudden death. Prince Andrew's return to the public eye and the uncertain relationship between Prince Harry and his brother have added to the family's challenges.
With the King unable to fulfill public engagements, the other 10 working senior royals are under pressure to increase their commitments. Royal commentator Kristen Meinzer highlighted the slimmed-down royal family due to various circumstances, including issues involving Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, and Kate Middleton.
Meinzer suggested that Harry and Meghan, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020, could have provided valuable support to the King with their youth and charisma, bringing a dynamic energy that some senior royals may lack.
