The Queen has pulled out of attending the Duchess of Kent’s funeral after suffering from acute sinusitis, Buckingham Palace has announced.
Camilla, 78, had been due to join the King and other members of the royal family at the farewell to the duchess at Westminster Cathedral in London on Tuesday afternoon.
The requiem mass, a Catholic funeral, is the first to be held for a member of the monarchy in modern British history.
The announcement raises questions over Camilla’s attendance at US president Donald Trump’s high-stakes and busy state visit, which begins in full at Windsor on Wednesday and is being hosted by the King.
The Queen, is, however, hopeful that she will have recovered sufficiently to be able to attend all royal elements of the controversial American leader’s trip as planned, with highlights including a lavish state banquet.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “With great regret, Her Majesty The Queen has withdrawn from attendance at this afternoon’s Requiem Mass for The Duchess of Kent as she is recovering from acute sinusitis.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.”
The Duke of Kent has been informed, and is said to fully understand Camilla’s decision, and has sent his best wishes for a speedy recovery.
The Queen travelled down from Scotland this morning and is currently en route to Windsor to rest.
