Queen Camilla Joins Trump State Visit After Recovering From Illness

Queen Camilla participated in all elements of President Donald Trump’s historic second state visit to the United Kingdom on Wednesday, September 17, after successfully recovering from acute sinusitis that forced her to miss the Duchess of Kent’s funeral the previous day.

The 78-year-old Queen joined King Charles in welcoming the president and First Lady Melania Trump to Windsor Castle with full ceremonial grandeur, dispelling concerns that her illness might prevent her participation in the high-profile diplomatic event.

Recovery Enables Full Royal Participation

Buckingham Palace confirmed Tuesday evening that Queen Camilla was resting at Windsor Castle after traveling from Scotland and hoped to recover sufficiently for the state visit. Palace officials had expressed optimism that she would attend “all elements” of the visit despite her sinus infection, which causes inflammation and swelling of the sinuses.

Her successful recovery allowed the Queen to fulfill her scheduled role in the elaborate welcome ceremony, which included a carriage procession through Windsor’s grounds with military escorts from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. Queen Camilla rode alongside First Lady Melania Trump in the Scottish State Coach while King Charles and President Trump traveled together in the Irish State Coach.

State Visit Highlights Royal Partnership

The ceremonial welcome featured a Royal Salute fired from both Windsor Castle’s East Lawn and the Tower of London, followed by performances of both national anthems by military bands from the Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force. The procession was escorted by 1,300 British military personnel in what officials described as the largest ceremonial reception for a state visit in recent memory.

After the formal ceremonies, Queen Camilla joined the royal family in hosting the Trumps for lunch in Windsor Castle’s State Dining Room before participating in an afternoon viewing of Royal Collection items relating to the United States. The visit culminated with a state banquet in St. George’s Hall, where both King Charles and President Trump delivered formal addresses.

Queen Camilla’s presence throughout the day represented a significant diplomatic engagement, as Trump becomes the first U.S. president to receive two British state visits, having previously been hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2019. The successful completion of her royal duties came after speculation that her illness might lead to absences from key elements of the visit.