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British Royals

Queen Camilla to miss the funeral of the Duchess of Kent after falling ill

By
16th September 2025
Queen Camilla visits Battersea Dogs and Cats home

Queen Camilla is to miss the funeral of the Duchess of Kent after developing a respiratory illness.

Her Majesty is suffering from acute sinusitis and so will not attend the Requiem Mass for the Duchess taking place on September 16 at Westminster Cathedral.

Buckingham Palace announced the absence just hours before the funeral was due to begin.

A spokesperson said ”With great regret, Her Majesty The Queen has withdrawn from attendance at this afternoon’s requiem mass for the Duchess of Kent as she is recovering from acute sinusitis. Her thoughts and prayers will be with the Duke of Kent and all the family.”

The King will still attend alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales.

The Duke of Kent and his three children as well as their families will lead mourners in remembering the Duchess.

Following the funeral, a private burial will take place at Frogmore.

The absence has also called into question whether Queen Camilla will be well enough to attend the State Visit of US President, Donald Trump, which begins tomorrow.

The Duchess of Kent died on September 4 2025 at the age of 92.

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About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra.Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024.June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station.June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.