Queen to miss ceremonial welcome during Qatari state visit due to 'lingering side effects' of chest infection

The Queen is to miss the ceremonial welcome during the Qatari state visit tomorrow due to the "lingering side effects" of a chest infection.

The event will take place outdoors on Horse Guards Parade, where the King and the Prince and Princess of Wales will join the Emir of Qatar and his wife.

Buckingham Palace said Camilla will attend other elements of the day, including the arrival lunch at Buckingham Palace.

The 77-year-old also hopes to view an exhibition in the Picture Gallery.

In the evening, Camilla will join the King and their guests for photographs at the start of the state banquet, and attend the banquet itself.

But she will take a short break before dinner while guests are being met in a receiving line.

It is understood she is dealing with "diminished reserves of energy" as well as other "lingering side effects".

Doctors have advised Camilla to take time to rest and recover fully.

The Queen previously missed the Royal Variety Performance on 22 November due to "some lingering post-viral symptoms" of the chest infection.

In a statement issued hours before the event, she said she had withdrawn "with great regret". The King, 75, attended the event, which was hosted by comedian Alan Carr and actress Amanda Holden.

Read more:
Kate invites Southport survivors to Christmas concert
Cost of coronation to taxpayer revealed
Canadian town at standstill over oath to King

Camilla was also forced to skip Remembrance events earlier in November.

She did not attend the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance, nor the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph, instead marking the occasion "privately at home".

However, she did host a Booker Prize reception at Clarence House in mid-November, where she told author Percival Everett: "I think I'm on the mend, but these things always take a bit of time to get rid of.

"You think you've got rid of it, then they just sort of hang on for a little bit, but hopefully I'm on the mend now," she added.

The Queen contracted the chest infection after her long haul trip to Australia and Samoa in October.

The Qatari state visit is Kate's first as part of her gradual return to public duties since her cancer diagnosis.

The princess will meet Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim al Thani, and accompany them to the parade ground to meet the waiting King and senior government figures.

However, Kate will not be attending the state banquet in the evening.

(c) Sky News 2024: Queen to miss ceremonial welcome during Qatari state visit due to 'lingering side