Queen Camilla Skips Duchess of Kent’s Funeral at the Last Minute — Palace Issues Health Update
While Queen Camilla was initially scheduled to attend the Duchess of Kent’s funeral on September 16, she pulled out at the last minute, leaving King Charles to lead the royal family alone. Buckingham Palace issued a statement announcing that Camilla was battling acute sinusitis and would be unable to attend the service. After an exhausting journey down from Scotland, she is now said to be resting at Windsor Castle, preparing for a busy schedule ahead of the state visit of Donald and Melania Trump on September 17.
In a statement to Fox News, the Palace said, "With great regret, Her Majesty The Queen has withdrawn from attendance at this afternoon’s Requiem Mass for The Duchess of Kent as she is recovering from acute sinusitis. Her thoughts and prayers will be with The Duke of Kent and all the family." According to the Mayo Clinic, sinusitis is an infection that causes the sinuses to become inflamed and swollen. Duchess Katherine’s husband, Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, is said to have been supportive of Camilla's absence and has wished her a speedy recovery.
This is not the first time the Queen Consort has cancelled big appearances to focus on her health. In November 2024, she had skipped the Royal Variety Performance as she was recovering from a chest infection.
Sharing his thoughts on Camilla’s absence, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said, "It obviously raises questions about her attendance tomorrow. [state visit]. Since its importance is so clear, she will obviously attend if she possibly can. According to reports, she fully intends to." On Tuesday, Charles, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Princess Anne, Sir Timothy Laurence, Sarah Ferguson, and Duchess Sophie attended the memorial. Even Prince Andrew made a rare appearance. Katherine, the Duchess of Kent’s funeral created history as it was the first ever Catholic funeral, following her conversion to the religion in 1994.
After the funeral service, Katherine’s coffin travelled by hearse to the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, Windsor. Other royal family members put to rest there include Queen Elizabeth's uncle, the former King Edward VIII, and his wife, Wallis Simpson. As a gesture of respect for the late Duchess, flags were lowered to half-mast at all official royal residences flying the Union Jack flags.
The Duchess of Kent passed away peacefully in her sleep at Kensington Palace at 92 on September 4. She was the wife of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, who was the late Queen Elizabeth's first cousin.