Those who know Queen Camilla are confident she will step up to her duties while King Charles battles with his cancer diagnosis and undergoes treatment.
While both Princess Kate and King Charles were undergoing treatment at The London Clinic in the UK’s capital, Queen Camilla showed she was a beacon of stability as she attended public royal engagements. It is understood she will continue with a full programme of engagements as the King takes time off.
Queen Camilla has been previously described as the King’s “rock” by her sister, Annabel Elliot, who gave her view of their marriage for a BBC documentary titled ‘Charles III: The Coronation Year.’
Ms Elliot said: “She is his rock and I can’t actually emphasise that enough. She is somebody who is completely loyal, and she isn’t somebody who has huge highs and lows.”
Aides said King Charles was diagnosed with cancer having undergone subsequent tests while he was receiving treatment at The London Clinic for an enlarged prostate. It is not connected with his recent surgery and it is not prostate cancer.
King Charles and Queen Camilla were pictured together leaving the hospital after King Charles was discharged on January 29.
A source close to the Royal Family said in the Mirror: “The Queen has been remarkable.”
She added: “While her husband has been in hospital, she was by his side and also making sure she didn’t neglect her own duties. She doesn’t want to let anyone down. She is 76 and one of the hardest-working members of the family. She never complains, she just gets on with it.”
It has been a busy few weeks for Camilla who has hosted a reception for authors at Windsor Castle, opened a centre run by cancer charity Maggie’s at London’s Royal Free Hospital, travelled to Bath to celebrate the 850th anniversary of St John’s Foundation and visited Cambridge, attending a community centre which holds dance classes.
Heir to the throne Prince William will also have to step up royal engagements, having only announced earlier today that he would be returning to work on Wednesday. It comes after he cleared his diary following his wife Kate’s planned abdominal surgery.
Buckingham Palace’s full statement regarding the King’s health read: “During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.
“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.
“The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.
“His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”
