An Unexpected Royal Stepped in for Queen Camilla Amid Her Infection

The occurrence is a rare one for the family member, despite their working royal status.

Queen Camilla is out sick with a chest infection, but as they say, the show must go on—the monarch was initially slated to attend the November 7 annual Field of Remembrance event at Westminster Abbey in London, but a surprising royal has stepped up to the plate.

For the November 7 event, Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester took the place of the queen. Birgitte is a working royal through her marriage to Prince Richard—also known as the Duke of Gloucester—who is one of Queen Elizabeth's first cousins within the royal lineage. Despite being a working royal, it is a rare occurrence to have her fill in at a royal event, People reports, as the event is billed as an official royal engagement.

Amid Camilla's illness the rest of her previously scheduled events for the week have been canceled, giving Birgitte—or another working member within the royal family—the opportunity to step up and fill in for her untimely absence.

"Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest," the official statement from the palace regarding Camilla absence read. "With great regret, Her Majesty has therefore had to withdraw from her engagements for this week, but she very much hopes to be recovered in time to attend this weekend’s Remembrance events as normal. She apologizes to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result."

Despite Camilla's lack of attendance at the Field of Remembrance event, there is a chance that she will attempt an appearance at the Remembrance Sunday memorial in London on November 10 with a few members of the royal family as company. The event, which is held at the Cenotaph memorial as it has been for decades, might see Kate Middleton in attendance, according to Princess Diana's former royal butler, Paul Burrell.