Oh, the life of a Queen! When you’re 77, a chest infection isn’t just a minor inconvenience — it’s practically a royal scandal. Queen Camilla has finally emerged from her Buckingham bubble to address her mysterious multi-week absence, and boy, did she give us the tea. (Not literally, though, because she probably drank it all to soothe her sore throat.)
Camilla, known for her steadfast royal duties, had to hit the brakes in early November when a nasty chest infection decided to crash the monarchy party. Apparently, even queens aren’t immune to winter bugs.
Now, before you think she was just cozying up with corgis and binge-watching “The Crown” (which, let’s be honest, would be ironic), Camilla revealed she’s still battling some post-viral fatigue. Translation: she’s tired, folks, and not just from keeping up with King Charles’ nonstop plant-talking adventures.
A Royal Return with a Cough of Elegance
On Tuesday (December 3), Camilla made her grand reappearance at Buckingham Palace during the state visit of the Amir of Qatar. But don’t go thinking she came in riding a horse-drawn carriage with trumpets blaring. Nope, our Queen pulled the ultimate “fashionably late” move — skipping the kickoff entirely and showing up just in time for the luncheon. Because, priorities.
She later spilled the (chamomile) tea that her “chest infection” was actually a bout of pneumonia. Pneumonia! While the rest of us would still be wrapped in a blanket burrito, Camilla was out here chatting it up with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani. Talk about perseverance.
Banquet? More Like Ban-Cough-et
Now, let’s talk about the glitzy state banquet. Camilla attended but decided to skip the traditional receiving line. Honestly, who could blame her? Shaking hands while trying not to cough on anyone sounds like the worst episode of “The Great British Etiquette Bake-Off.” She still showed up for the photo ops, though, because the royal motto is clearly, “The show must go on, even if you’re slightly wheezy.”
But fear not! Camilla has promised to power through dinner and farewells on Wednesday, December 4. Will she deliver a toast? Perhaps. Will she attempt not to clear her throat into the microphone? One can only hope.
In the meantime, let’s all take a moment to applaud Queen Camilla for handling her royal sick days with grace, humor, and just the right amount of royal sass. Cheers to a speedy recovery and a well-deserved cup of honeyed tea! ☕👑
