‘It Makes Me Ill to See Her Wear This’: Queen Camilla Dons Queen Elizabeth’s Tiara, Sparking Heated Talks
The banquet, held on December 3, honored the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani. Around 150 guests attended, celebrating the strong ties between the United Kingdom and Qatar in diplomacy, culture, and trade.
Queen Camilla, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, King Charles III, and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani attend the state banquet at Buckingham Palace in London on December 3, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Queen Camilla and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar, posted on December 3, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/theroyalfamily
Camilla’s look was completed with a diamond necklace from the royal collection and the Family Orders of both the late Queen and King Charles III.
Queen Camilla attends the state banquet for Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Buckingham Palace on December 3, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Someone else harshly remarked, “I’m sure Queen Elizabeth is screaming from her grave to take off her jewels I don’t think she was a fan of Camilla’s.[sic]” A fourth bluntly stated, “This is an utter disgrace.”
Queen Elizabeth II wears the Kokoshnik Tiara at a state banquet in Delhi, India, on November 18, 1983 | Source: Getty Images
More supporters shared positive comments about the Queen’s appearance at the state dinner. One admired her vibrant red gown, while others kept their praise brief, calling her “beautiful” and expressing admiration with emojis.
Amid these conflicting opinions, one commenter adopted a more balanced stance, defending Camilla by highlighting her steadfast dedication to Charles and her central role in supporting him, regardless of public sentiment.
The illness, initially misdiagnosed, caused her to miss several public engagements and left her with post-viral fatigue. Despite this, she demonstrated her commitment to royal duties by attending key parts of the event.
Queen Camilla arrives at Buckingham Palace during the Amir of Qatar’s visit to the United Kingdom in London, England, on December 3, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
To accommodate her recovery, Camilla followed her doctor’s advice, skipping the outdoor ceremonies and attending a formal lunch at Buckingham Palace ahead of the evening banquet.
Palace sources emphasized that while she has recovered from pneumonia, the illness has left her “with significantly diminished reserves of energy,” requiring further adjustments to her schedule.
Queen Camilla arrives at Buckingham Palace in London on December 3, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The Palace announced that Camilla had a chest infection on November 5, 2024.
According to the BBC, Camilla’s diagnosis led her to cancel her engagements that Thursday, including her planned appearance at the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, where the Duchess of Gloucester represented her.
Queen Camilla reacts at the UK’s D-Day 80th anniversary event on Southsea Common, Portsmouth on June 5, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Following the announcement of her diagnosis, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer extended well-wishes for her “speedy recovery” for the Queen.
Queen Camilla visits the restored Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings in Shropshire, England, on March 27, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Many royal supporters expressed their well-wishes, with one sharing hopes for Camilla’s comfort, rest, and recovery. Another simply prayed for her speedy healing.
Queen Camilla attends QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot Racecourse in Ascot, England, on October 21, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
One commenter remarked that Camilla’s age might have contributed to her fatigue, noting that the demands of her previous trips could have been exhausting for both her and Charles.
Others suggested that Camilla may be exhausted from managing both her and Charles’s appointments while he undergoes treatment. Another fan expressed sympathy for the demands of her role, noting that she has been working very hard, which could be overwhelming at her age.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport on October 23, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
When the couple visited St. Thomas’s Anglican Church in Sydney, Camilla took selfies with the crowd — a move that caught the attention of many. While there are no obligatory codes of behavior when meeting a member of the royal family, tradition still holds strong.
Queen Camilla at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport on October 23, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
Queen Camilla greets supporters at St. Thomas’s Anglican Church on October 20, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
CCN Royal Commentator Victoria Arbiter explains, “Royals would always rather have a personal interaction than have people clamoring for selfies.”
Queen Camilla greets supporters at St. Thomas’s Anglican Church on October 20, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
Before Camilla, Prince William had also embraced a similarly relaxed approach at engagements in Sheffield in March and in London in June.
Queen Camilla meets members of the public during a walkabout at the Sydney Opera House on October 22, 2024, in Australia. | Source: Getty Images
Camilla’s interactions with fans during their six-day tour marked a shift in how the royal family adapts to modern public interactions. It was also the royal couple’s first visit to the region since Charles ascended the throne.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Sydney Opera House on October 22, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
The late Queen Elizabeth II signed the same book in 1954 during her historic visit, and Charles continued the tradition by signing below Princess Diana’s 1983 signature.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla look at the Book of Common Prayer during a visit to St. Thomas’s Anglican Church on October 20, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
In Samoa, Camilla and Charles spent four days visiting communities, receiving a warm welcome, and enjoying events celebrating the island’s traditions and beauty.
King Charles III and the Prime Minister of Samoa Naomi Mata’afa at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum reception and dinner in Apia, Samoa on October 25, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
On their final day, the couple attended a farewell ceremony celebrating local culture. Camilla became teary-eyed and was seen wiping beneath her eyes while shielding her face with an ornate fan.
Queen Camilla in Samoa in October 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Queen Camilla in Samoa in October 2024 | Source: Getty Images
In the post’s caption, the account explained that Camilla began crying when Samoan leaders paid tribute to Charles and mentioned his ongoing battle with cancer.
Queen Camilla crying during the Samoa farewell, posted on October 28, 2024 | Source: TikTok/dailymailroyals
Queen Camilla in Samoa in October 2024 | Source: Getty Images
With her recent tours, Queen Camilla has shown unwavering dedication to her royal duties. Despite mixed opinions from netizens, she continues the tradition of wearing royal jewels, reflecting the monarchy’s adherence to its historical customs in the modern era.