### Queen Camilla’s Absence: Duchess of Gloucester Steps Up for Remembrance Event

Queen Camilla has taken a step back from her royal duties due to a chest infection, prompting a rare appearance by Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester.

On November 7, she represented the Queen at the annual Field of Remembrance event held at Westminster Abbey in London.

Buckingham Palace revealed on November 5 that the Queen was unwell and would be canceling her engagements for the week.

As she recuperates privately, it fell to the Duchess to carry out this significant role.

At 78 years old, Birgitte is no stranger to royal duties, being a full-time working member of the family and married to Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester.

Birgitte's involvement in the event is noteworthy, as it's not common for her to substitute for Queen Camilla.

The Duchess attended the ceremony, which honors those who served in the armed forces, and met with representatives from The Poppy Factory—a veteran's charity that the Queen supports as its patron.

In an official statement, Buckingham Palace expressed the Queen's regret at having to withdraw from her engagements due to her illness.

They noted that her doctors recommended a period of rest and that she hoped to recover in time for the weekend's Remembrance events.

The Queen also conveyed her apologies to anyone inconvenienced by her sudden change of plans.

Despite the setback, there is hope that Queen Camilla will still participate in the Royal Family's Remembrance Sunday activities.

This annual observance, held on the second Sunday of November, serves as a national tribute to the members of the Armed Forces from the U.K. and Commonwealth who lost their lives in wars and conflicts.

During the event, Birgitte was greeted warmly by the Very Reverend Dr. David Hoyle, the Dean of Westminster.

She interacted with various officials, including Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis, president of The Poppy Factory, before touring the memorial.

The ceremony included a poignant moment where the Duchess laid the Queen's personal Cross of Remembrance to honor fallen service personnel.

Following a prayer service, the tradition continued with the sounding of the Last Post, and a reading of the famous “For the Fallen” poem, evoking a reflective atmosphere as Big Ben tolled at 11 a.m., marking a two-minute silence.

As the silence concluded, the Kohima Epitaph echoed through the space, reminding all attendees of the sacrifices made by service members.

The Duchess then engaged with senior representatives from The Poppy Factory, reviewing the memorial's 308 plots dedicated to those who served.

Since 2013, Queen Camilla has been a supporter of The Poppy Factory, which assists veterans and their families in finding employment.

This year marks the 96th anniversary of the Field of Remembrance, a heartfelt tradition that invites both veterans and the public to plant poppies in memory of the deceased.

The Poppy Factory has deep-rooted connections to the British royal family, having begun its mission to support veterans with health issues at its original factory.

Since 1922, it has produced Remembrance wreaths for royal ceremonies and the Royal British Legion, which aids military personnel and their families.

Recently, Queen Camilla and King Charles III returned from a nine-day tour of Australia and Samoa—their first official visit to one of the Commonwealth realms during his reign.

As she recovers, the royal family is hopeful that she will soon resume her important commitments.