Queen Camilla to jet off on trip as she takes break after King’s diagnosis

02 March 2024 , 23:17

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Queen Camilla has had to step in to cover for a number senior royals (Image: Getty Images)

The Queen is set to take a break in the sun after having to head up royal duties following her husband's cancer diagnosis last month.

Camilla, 76, is reportedly taking a break from official duties and jetting off on a private flight tomorrow for a sunshine break overseas, sources claim. Camilla was the last key royal standing last week — as even Prince Andrew returned to the spotlight for a gathering at Windsor. Royal expert Ingrid Seward last night 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."

The Queen's break comes after a week of crisis for the royals, having to both cope without the King while dealing with his cancer diagnosis as well as having to field wild conspiracy theories surrounding William and Kate. The princess, 42, has not been seen publicly since Christmas Day and is still recovering after abdominal surgery that took place January.

Camilla has indicated that she needs a holiday after a raft of step-ins to cover for other senior royals (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

According to The Sun, the future king, 41, had to miss the Windsor tribute to his godfather, Greece’s late King Constantine, on Tuesday due to a "personal matter". This has left Camilla to field 13 official engagements since last month, while carrying on with her own diary and attended events solo where she was due to have been with her husband.

Last week, she led the family at the memorial service for King Constantine in St George’s Chapel and then had to host a reception for hundreds of guests. Then on Wednesday, she was the most senior royal on duty at a reception for a children’s creative writing competition at Buckingham Palace. But it kept coming, meeting on Thursday, the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, at Clarence House.

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And according to sources, that has led to the Queen deciding to have a break to recharge her batteries. According to royal author Seward pointed out Charles, 75, will have "insisted" that his wife should gat out of the public eye. The royal watcher also said that the holiday was an "excellent indication" the King is doing well since starting cancer treatment and said Camilla found engagements "hard going".

She added: "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 who has had to step up to the busy schedule of royal engagements as well as wanting to be there for him and Kate whilst they each have their health issues. She certainly deserves some rest and relaxation."

Camilla will resume royal duties on March 11 when she is due to stand in for the King for the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey. To cover for her absence, step-son William, the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are all due toll undertake public engagements.

Paul Donald