Brave Queen Camilla breaks cover after sharing devastating diagnosis
Queen Camilla has been poorly for some time, and now she has shared her hard-hitting diagnosis while bravely soldiering on with her engagements at a state visit today
by Frances Kindon, Matt Clemenson · The MirrorAfter weeks of suffering from a chest infection Queen Camilla and missing a handful of engagements, Queen Camilla has shared her shock diagnosis.
The news broke after it emerged that Camilla would only be involved in the indoor parts of today's state visit of Qatar's Emir and his wife. And she has since told guests that her chest infection was actually pneumonia.
Camilla is suffering from post-viral fatigue and is missing the outdoor elements after being urged by her doctors to take more time to recover. The Queen was not taken to hospital, but is now facing bouts of extreme tiredness.
It is understood Camilla’s condition was viral, not bacterial, and she no longer has pneumonia.
The Queen missed the outdoor ceremonial welcome on a chilly Horse Guards Parade on Tuesday.
The news comes a day after the Palace confirmed Camilla would miss the ceremonial welcome during the Qatari state visit after suffering significantly diminished reserves of energy following her chest infection.
Doctors have urged Camilla, 77, to take time to rest and recover fully because of the lingering effects of the illness, which she contracted a month ago following her long-haul trip to Australia and Samoa.
The Queen's ongoing infection has forced her to pull out of previous events, most noticeably earlier in November, when she missed out on several events commemorating Remembrance Day.
She pulled out of the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance and the traditional Cenotaph wreath laying, which King Charles and other UK dignitaries attended.
She commemorated the event "privately at home" instead.
The Queen also pulled out of the Royal Variety Performance last week, with Buckingham Palace having released a statement touching on her lingering symptoms.
In a statement ahead of the event, the palace said she "continues to experience some lingering post-viral symptoms", and that she would rest on doctors' advice.
Royal sources had previously said there had been no alteration in any diagnosis or treatment Camilla was receiving, and that the Queen needs time to rest and recover fully, which was more challenging with a back-to back diary programme such as the state visit.
No major changes are expected to her diary for the rest of the week, but the Queen has been advised by her medical team to take each day as it comes.
Meanwhile, the occasion marks the start of a busier week for Kate, who is slowly increasing her public appearances after finishing her chemotherapy treatment in the summer.
The princess will be hosting her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Friday, when she is expected to be joined by her children and husband for the event.