Where was Queen Camilla? Why she didn't stand next to Kate Middleton on Remembrance Sunday

Queen Camilla has been absent from several royal family events during her recovery from a chest infection.

On November 11, King Charles, Prince William, Kate Middleton, who recently completed chemotherapy treatment, and other members of the royal family gathered at the Cenotaph war memorial in London for Remembrance Sunday to honor those who died in the conflict . Notably absent, however, was Queen Camilla, who withdrew from all royal engagements this week and weekend due to her ongoing illness.

In a statement on November 9, Buckingham Palace announced that the Queen would not be attending important commemorative events with the royal family.

“Due to doctors' instructions to ensure a full recovery from a seasonal chest infection and to protect others from potential risks, Her Majesty will not be attending this weekend's commemoration events,” the statement said.

“Although this is a great disappointment to the Queen, she will mark the occasion privately at home and hopes to return to public duties early next week,” it said.

Camilla is usually seen next to Kate on the balcony above the cenotaph, but this year Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh took her place and stood next to Kate. During the celebratory event, the two were spotted having a brief conversation. As they walked back into the building after the ceremony, Sophie was seen gently putting a protective arm around Kate.

This weekend's events marked Kate's first official outing with the royal family in months. In September, she announced that she had completed chemotherapy, which she began in February after her cancer diagnosis.

Camilla has appeared at the Cenotaph event almost every year since her wedding to King Charles in 2005, with a few exceptions when the couple were on royal tours.

On November 5, Buckingham Palace announced that the 77-year-old Queen was suffering from a chest infection and would regretfully have to cancel her engagements for the remainder of the week.

“Her Majesty the Queen is currently unwell and suffering from a chest infection, which is why her doctors have advised her to take a short rest,” the palace statement said. “It is therefore with great regret that Her Majesty has had to withdraw from her commitments for this week, but very much hopes that she will recover in time to be able to attend this weekend’s commemorations as usual. She apologizes to anyone who may have suffered any inconvenience or disappointment as a result of this.”

Queen Camilla took time to rest privately at home under the care of her doctors, and other family members stepped in in her place. Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester, represented the Queen at the Field of Remembrance event at Westminster Abbey on November 7, an annual event organized by the charity The Poppy Factory, of which Camilla is a patron, and King Charles turned to host a reception for British athletes alone to win a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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Commemorating commemorative events surrounding Armistice Day on November 11, also known as Veterans Day in the United States, is an important tradition for the British royal family as the monarch is commander in chief of the armed forces.

This year the celebratory service was attended by the King (75), the Prince and Princess of Wales (both 42), Prince Edward, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence and Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, part , Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent.