Queen Camilla seen for first time since dropping out of string of royal events while battling chest infection

QUEEN Camilla has been seen for the first time since missing a string of royal events due to a chest infection.

Her Majesty has returned to work this week after her spate of illness - but her hours are being scaled back.

Camilla, 77, sparked health fears after she pulled from all Remembrance events this weekend on doctors' orders.

She arrived to host a Booker Prize reception with shortlisted authors at Clarence House this afternoon.

Queen Camilla told guests today: "I’m on the mend, these things always take a bit of time to get rid of.

"But hopefully I’m on the mend now."

However, the Queen was there for a shorter period than planned.

And, she will not join the King for the London premier of Gladiator II tomorrow evening.

Queen Camilla will still attend an earlier reception at Buckingham Palace - but again is set to leave early.

The Queen had also hoped to join the King on his 76th birthday bash on Thursday to open a Coronation Food Project - but has pulled out.

Buckingham Palace is insisting there is no cause for alarm.

According to the latest updates from the Palace, the 77-year-old is following doctors' guidance to ensure a full recovery from her seasonal chest infection, including missing some royal events.

The palace emphasised this is a precautionary measure for her recovery and to protect others from any potential risk.

While her condition doesn't appear severe, it has been significant enough to warrant missing these important events, which is "a source of great disappointment to the Queen".

Shortly after the King and Queen returned to the UK following their tour of Australia and Samoa, Camilla began experiencing symptoms of a chest infection.

On November 5, Buckingham Palace issued an initial statement revealing that Queen Camilla was unwell with a chest infection.

A palace spokesman 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."

This saw the Queen miss the annual Field of Remembrance event at Westminster Abbey on November 7.

The Duchess of Gloucester agreed to represent Camilla at the Field of Remembrance.

She also pulled out of the weekend's Remembrance events, including the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday night and the Sunday service at the Cenotaph.

But, while the infection has been disruptive, it is not expected to have long-term effects on her ability to perform royal duties.

Following the success of their nine-day tour Down Under, the King and Queen have lined up two major tours in 2025, including a royal visit to Italy.

While Their Majesties are set to resume a full schedule of foreign tours, the second destination has yet to be agreed.

Queen Camilla's illness comes in a year that has been particularly challenging for the Royal Family's health.

Both King Charles and Princess Kate faced cancer battles in 2024.

But Kate made a glowing return at Remembrance events, carrying out royal duties on consecutive days for the first time since last December.

She appeared at the Royal Albert Hall for the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday evening.

And then attended the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, where the Prince of Wales and King Charles lay down wreaths.

William also revealed Kate aims to step up her royal engagements in 2025.

He said: “I think hopefully Catherine will be doing a bit more next year, so, we’ll have some more trips maybe lined up.”