Buckingham Palace issues statement as Queen pulls out of attending… see details

Buckingham Palace confirmed that her “thoughts and prayers” are with the Duke of Kent and his family

The Queen is not attending the funeral of the Duchess of Kent as she is “recovering” from an illness, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.

Although Camilla, 78, will not be in attendance, the Prince and Princess of Wales are set to attend the Duchess of Kent’s Catholic funeral later on Tuesday, Kensington Palace has confirmed.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “With great regret, Her Majesty The Queen has withdrawn from attendance at this afternoon’s Requiem Mass for The Duchess of Kent as she is recovering from acute sinusitis.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 Duke of Kent has been informed, and is said to fully understand Camilla’s decision, and has sent his best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Camilla had been due join to the King and other members of the royal family at the farewell to the duchess at Westminster Cathedral in London on Tuesday afternoon.

The Queen reportedly hopes to have recovered sufficiently to be able to attend all elements of US president Donald Trump’s state visit on Wednesday and Thursday.

It comes after Katharine, Duchess of Kent, was announced to have passed away at the age of 92 earlier this month. The wife of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Kensington Palace on Thursday Night.

Buckingham Palace announced in a statement: “It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent.  “Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family.

“The King and Queen and all Members of The Royal Family join The Duke of Kent, his children and grandchildren in mourning their loss and remembering fondly The Duchess’s life-long devotion to all the organisations with which she was associated, her passion for music and her empathy for young people.”