Queen Camilla’s absence from the funeral of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, has sparked wide speculation and concern. Officially, Buckingham Palace stated that Camilla was recovering from acute sinusitis, which forced her to withdraw from the ceremony held at Westminster Cathedral.
Despite the seriousness of the occasion, the Queen was unable to attend the funeral service in person but was reported to be resting at Windsor Castle.
The timing of her illness was unfortunate, as the funeral marked a significant and historic event—the first time King Charles attended a Roman Catholic mass in Britain since the Reformation, honoring the Duchess of Kent who had converted to Catholicism in 1994. Camilla’s withdrawal left a noticeable absence among senior royals, especially given the high-profile state visit of Donald Trump scheduled shortly afterward.
Some royal insiders suggest the real reason for Camilla’s absence might also involve the delicate dynamics and tensions within the royal family at this time, exacerbated by sensitive issues like the Trump state visit and public family disputes. Illness notwithstanding, the optics of the absence attracted negative attention, fueling whispers about unrest and discord behind the scenes.
In summary, while Queen Camilla officially missed the Duchess of Kent’s funeral due to acute sinusitis, underlying palace tensions and timing amid major royal events make her absence a source of speculation and discomfort within royal circles.