As the monarch, King Charles has decided to step back from his public royal duties for the time being as he undergoes treatment for cancer. However, his wife Queen Camilla has been keeping a busy schedule of outings, representing the royal family and fulfilling her own engagements.
Recently, King Charles and Queen Camilla traveled from their country residence in Sandringham back to London. The King received cancer treatment in the city and had meetings with palace staff, while the Queen had a special event lined up at Clarence House.
During this event, Queen Camilla was installed as an Honorary Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers. She was presented with a robe by the Master Fan Maker and received a fan designed by Stewart Parvin M.V.O. This fan was commissioned in 2020 to symbolize the impact of COVID-19 on numerous lives. The ceremony also provided an opportunity for Queen Camilla to meet representatives from the Fan Museum, of which she became a patron in 2008, and the Court of Fan Makers.
The Duchess of Gloucester, Birgitte, joined Queen Camilla for the ceremony. Birgitte herself became a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers back in 2005, further strengthening the ties between the royal family and this esteemed organization.
After the event, King Charles returned to Sandringham, his primary residence during this time. He has been spending most of his days there since publicly announcing his cancer diagnosis. Notably, he has been seen attending church at St. Mary Magdalene, a local place of worship in Norfolk.
In contrast, Queen Camilla remained in London to fulfill additional engagements. One such occasion saw her visiting the Kindred Studios' Shepherds Bush pop-up hub, an art studio and creative space that promotes arts, crafts, and community cohesion. Among the art pieces displayed at the hub was a painting of Princess Charlotte. The artwork was based on the official portrait released in honor of Princess Charlotte's second birthday in 2017.
During her visit, Queen Camilla also had the pleasure of meeting costume designer Syban Velardi-laufer, who donned an elaborate red costume complete with long names and a face-covering headpiece. It was a whimsical touch that added to the colorful and creative atmosphere of the event.
While King Charles focuses on his health and recovery, Queen Camilla is taking on additional responsibilities to represent the monarchy. This includes attending concerts and other official engagements. Last week, she demonstrated her dedication by traveling for six hours by car to attend a concert at Salisbury Cathedral. Inclement weather conditions grounded her helicopter, making flying the 200-mile distance from Sandringham impossible. Yet, Queen Camilla did not want to let down King Charles, whom she had assured that she would continue with her official schedule.
While King Charles's health takes precedence, the public can take comfort in the knowledge that Queen Camilla and other family members are committed to carrying out their royal duties. Their unwavering dedication ensures that the monarchy remains a symbol of strength and continuity even during challenging times.
