Britain's Queen Camilla pulls out of engagements after falling ill with chest infection

Britain's Queen Camilla is unwell with a chest infection and has withdrawn from her engagements this week, Buckingham Palace has announced.

Britain's Queen Camilla is unwell with a chest infection and has withdrawn from her engagements this week, Buckingham Palace has announced.

Camilla, 77, who has not long returned from a busy official overseas tour to Australia and Samoa, is understood to be resting at home.

The update comes after a year of difficult health troubles for the royal family, with both Britain's King Charles and Kate Middleton being diagnosed with cancer.

The Queen Consort, patron of The Poppy Factory, during a visit to the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in 2022 (Henry Nicholls/PA)

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest.

“With great regret, Her Majesty has therefore had to withdraw from her engagements for this week but she very much hopes to be recovered in time to attend this weekend’s Remembrance events as normal.

“She apologises to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.”

The King and Queen at the end of their tour of Australia and Samoa (Chris Jackson/PA)

Birgitte, the wife of Prince Richard has stepped in to attend the annual opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on Thursday on Camilla's behalf.

Camilla has also pulled out of attending the Buckingham Palace reception for Olympic and Paralympic athletes hosted by Charles the same evening.

No further details regarding her illness or treatment have been released, but she is understood to be being cared for under doctors’ supervision.