Queen Camilla 'upset' to miss Remembrance events - 'they are dear to her heart'

Following the announcement that this weekend owing to a chest infection, a leading royal expert has looked at how the Queen, who has a deep, personal connection with the Armed Forces - will be feeling and why it will be a particularly difficult to come to terms with.

A spokesman said. "Following doctors’ guidance to ensure a full recovery from a seasonal chest infection, and to protect others from any potential risk, Her Majesty will not attend this weekend’s Remembrance events. While this is a source of great disappointment to The Queen, she will mark the occasion privately at home and hopes to return to public duties early next week."

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After the news that would not be able to join the for the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance on Saturday evening, or the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on Sunday, : "This is such a shame, as to see all the senior royals back on parade together would have been heartening.

"Chest infections can be quite nasty as you grow older and it’s important that the queen follows her doctor’s advice and rests. But there are other factors at play here as well: she wouldn’t want to risk passing the infection onto or anybody else."

On the Queen's recuperation, Jennie added: "The Palace haven’t said where Camilla is recovering but it could well be at her home in Ray Mill which would mean she was also keeping a precautionary distance from the King as he resumes his cancer treatment.

"Another factor is that these are very solemn occasions and no one would want to interrupt the proceedings by coughing and wheezing. So I think Camilla would have had an uncomfortable evening and morning at these events, trying to suppress coughs.

"It will, though, be upsetting for her to miss such an important weekend. As the daughter of a military man, the Remembrance Day commemorations are dear to her heart."

Queen Camilla's father, Major Bruce Shand, had an interesting time during his wartime service. He served with the 12th Lancers during the Second World War, earning the Military Cross twice once in 1940 during the retreat to Dunkirk, and again in 1942 for his North Africa campaign. Despite being wounded and captured in the same region, he survived the ordeal, passing away at the age of 89 in June 2006.

This year's Remembrance Sunday service comes five months after and joined global leaders on Normandy's beaches to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Second World War D-Day landings. To mark the anniversary, released a video in which she recalled the "incredible bravery" of the forces that freed Europe from Hitler's rule.

Camilla's heartfelt message also highlighted her personal connection with the Armed Forces, referring to herself as the "proud daughter of an Army officer". She wore her Royal Lancers brooch a nod to her late father's regiment and the military unit she serves as Colonel in Chief.

In her video, Camilla expressed gratitude to the men and women of the Armed Forces for "everything you do to protect this country of ours". She also paid tribute to those who made the "ultimate sacrifice" in the quest for global peace.

The Queen conveyed heartfelt appreciation, saying: "Eight decades later, I know that same spirit and those same qualities remain much in evidence throughout our Armed Forces, as you undertake your duties in the face of a multitude of challenges and dangers."

"In so doing, you not only protect these Isles, but also defend liberties way beyond these shores. Your determination, unrelenting efforts and selfless loyalty to each other and to the are as enduring as our gratitude."

As patron of the military charity British Forces Broadcasting Service, which produced the video, the Queen further extended her message of gratitude: "I also want to thank your families, who keep the home fires burning, whilst you are deployed overseas."

She shared a personal connection to military life, saying, "As the proud daughter of an Army officer, I know something of the impact military life has on your loved ones you too are heroes. In times of war and in times of peace, whether seen or unseen, our Armed Forces support and strengthen our nation. You are a source of inspiration, reassurance and pride and I salute you all."