Queen Camilla arrives at Aberdeen Art Gallery on Jan. 18.Photo:ANDREW MILLIGAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
ANDREW MILLIGAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Queen Camillacontinued royal duty after Buckingham Palace announced thatKing Charleswould head to the hospital next week to treat anenlarged prostate, giving a quick health update on her husband during the outing.
The Queen, 76, visited the Aberdeen Art Gallery in Aberdeen, Scotland on Thursday morning, the day after the palace announced that the King would have a “corrective procedure” for the benign condition next week.
“How is His Majesty?" asked Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeen Dr. David Cameron.
“He’s fine, thank you very much. Looking forward to getting back to work,” the Queen replied.
Queen Camilla at Aberdeen Art Gallery on Jan. 18.ANDREW MILLIGAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
At the gallery, Queen Camilla opened a new “Safe Space,” helping to provide guidance to people if they suspect someone is living with domestic abuse. The Queen has long made supporting victims of rape, domestic violence and sexual abuse a key priority of her public work.
The outing marked Queen Camilla’s first public engagement since the palace shared the news about her husband’s health. On Wednesday, Buckingham Palace shared that King Charles isseeking treatmentfor an enlarged prostate.
“In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate,” the statement said. “His Majesty’s condition is benign, and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure.”
“The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation,” it added.
It’s understood that the King, 75, wanted to share his diagnosis to encourage men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked. A royal source tells PEOPLE that King Charles will be capable of fulfilling his constitutional requirements and duties during this time.
King Charles and Queen Camilla drive to Crathie Kirk, near Balmoral, on Jan. 14.Paul Campbell/PA Images via Getty Images
Paul Campbell/PA Images via Getty Images
King Charles and Queen Camilla were most recently seen together on Sunday, when they were photographed driving together to Crathie Kirk near the royal residence of Balmoral. The church is the royal family’s go-to while at the castle in Scotland, where the royals traditionally spend their summers and where Queen Elizabeth died in 2022.
The King’s health news came shortly after Kensington Palace issued a separate statement announcing thatKate Middletonhad “planned abdominal surgery” on Tuesday and would likely not return to royal duties until after Easter. Kensington Palace said the surgery was a success, and that the Princess of Wales, 42, was expected to remain at the hospital for 10 to 14 days.
Kate Middleton on Christmas Day at Sandringham, Dec. 25, 2023.Stephen Pond/Getty
Stephen Pond/Getty
“Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic yesterday for planned abdominal surgery. The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for 10 to 14 days, before returning home to continue her recovery,” the statement said. “Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.”
“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire tomaintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private,” it continued. Princess Kate andPrince Williamare parents toPrince George, 10,Princess Charlotte, 8, andPrince Louis, 5.
Kate Middleton, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince William, Prince Louis and Mia Tindall in Sandringham on Dec. 25, 2023.Samir Hussein/WireImage
Samir Hussein/WireImage
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“Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share,” the statement said. “The Princess of Wales wishes to apologize to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements. She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.”
On Thursday afternoon, Prince William wasseen leavingthe private London Clinic around 12:35 p.m. local time.
source: people.com
