In an unexpected twist during a royal engagement at the University of London, Queen Camilla attempted to alter established protocol by inviting her sister-in-law, Princess Anne, to precede her entry into a room.
Princess Anne graciously declined the offer, maintaining customary royal precedence, adhering to traditions dating back centuries, New York Post reported.
The incident took place during the University of London’s Foundation Day event on Wednesday. Queen Camilla and Princess Anne were jointly present at this occasion, where Anne, serving as chancellor, awarded Camilla an honorary doctorate of literature. This accolade was in recognition of Camilla's significant contributions to promoting literature across the United Kingdom.
Both Queen Camilla, aged 77, and Princess Anne, 74, attended the ceremony together, sharing the stage at the Senate House. The breach in protocol occurred when Camilla offered Anne the opportunity to enter the room before her, a gesture that defies longstanding royal traditions since 1066, where the monarch customarily enters first. However, Princess Anne, well-versed in these royal customs, "smiled and politely refused" the invitation, allowing Camilla her due precedence.
Despite this minor protocol stir, the two royals showcased their cordial relationship, exchanging smiles and laughter, and taking part in photographs together. Queen Camilla, who joined the royal family in 2005, typically holds a higher rank than Princess Anne within the hierarchy.
Shortly following this event, Queen Camilla's health took center stage as she withdrew from a significant royal engagement.
Camilla was expected to attend the Royal Variety Performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Friday night. However, she canceled her appearance due to a chest infection. Buckingham Palace addressed the situation with a statement regarding her symptoms.
continues to experience some lingering post-viral symptoms. With great regret, she has therefore withdrawn from attendance at tonight’s Royal Variety Performance. His Majesty will attend as planned.
This unwellness has reportedly impacted Queen Camilla for a significant part of the month, leading to her absence from the prominent event. Despite Camilla’s absence, King Charles III went ahead and attended the Royal Variety Performance as initially scheduled.
The Royal Variety Performance, a staple on the royal calendar, proceeded under the presence of King Charles III. Despite her health challenges and the protocol incident, Queen Camilla's role and contributions continue to be acknowledged and celebrated.
Both engagements highlighted different aspects of Queen Camilla’s public life, balancing her ceremonial duties with the realities of personal health. Camilla’s illness and her gesture at the University are seen as a testament to her dedication, even amidst protocol pitfalls.
As the public and media continue to follow these developments, Camilla’s health and future royal engagements remain of keen interest.
The incident at the University and Camilla's health condition underscore the nuanced balance between tradition, personal relations, and duty within the British royal family.
