Yahoo Lifestyle Queen Camilla Pulls Out of Royal Variety Performance Just Hours Before, Citing an Ongoing Chest Infection
The Queen was due to attend the performance with her husband, King Charles, on Nov. 22
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Queen Camilla arrives to meet with guests during a reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps at Buckingham Palace in London, on Nov. 19, 2024Queen Camilla's chest infection stubbornly continues to linger.
The Queen, 77, has reluctantly pulled out of the Royal Variety Performance on Nov. 22, which she was due to attend alongside her husband King Charles, 76.
The announcement from Buckingham Palace came about four hours before she was scheduled to head out to Royal Albert Hall in London.
"Following a recent chest infection, the Queen continues to experience some lingering post-viral symptoms, as a result of which doctors have advised that, after a busy week of engagements, Her Majesty should prioritize sufficient rest," the statement from a palace spokesperson said.
"With great regret, she has therefore withdrawn from attendance at tonight’s Royal Variety Performance. His Majesty will attend as planned," it continued.
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Queen Camilla (R) talks with Charlotte Wood during a reception for The Booker Prize Foundation at Clarence House on Nov. 12, 2024 in London, EnglandAides point out that she was able to continue with some appearances this week, including helping Charles host the annual Diplomatic Corps reception on Nov. 19 in London. Aides also point out that, considering the length and lateness of the Variety Performance, which ends around 11 p.m., she has taken heed of medical advice that there is a risk when recovering patients overstretch themselves. Camilla is said by a royal source to be the kind of person who believes that the "show must go on," and "sends her sincere apologies to all those involved."
"She hopes to be back to full strength and regular public duties very soon," the source adds.
Camilla missed the Remembrance Weekend outings on Nov. 9 and Nov. 10 for similar reasons so as not to exacerbate her illness or pass it on to others. She also missed the royal film premiere of Gladiator !! in London on Nov. 14.
Palace sources say there is no cause for alarm but concede that it is stubborn bug. Camilla will travel to the couple's home Sandringham in Norfolk, which was always planned for this weekend.
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King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive to the Diplomatic Corps reception at Buckingham Palace on Nov. 19, 2024 in London, EnglandThis has been a busy one for the King and Queen. In addition to being alongside her husband and Prince William for the palace reception on Nov. 19, she was awarded an honorary doctorate for her work in the world of literacy on Nov. 20, presented to her by Princess Anne.
The Royal Variety Performance is a musical and comedy extravaganza which not only provides a festive pre-holidays evening out for the royals but promotes the performing arts sector in Britain and raises money for the Royal Variety Charity, which supports people who have worked professionally in the entertainment industry.
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Friday night’s show, which will air on ITV in the U.K. in December, is to be hosted by Amanda Holden and talk show host and comedian Alan Carr.
Included in the show was a number from the new production of Oliver on London’s West End; a song by Sydnie Christmas, who was the winner of this year’s Britain’s Got Talent; and a song from The Devil Wears Prada show that opened in the West End recently. Magic duo Penn & Teller also performed.
