Rédaction Africa Links 24 with AFP
Published on 2024-01-30 16:30:00
Queen Camilla has become the most prominent public figure of the British monarchy as her husband, King Charles III, and daughter-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales, recover from surgery. Charles, 75, underwent an operation for an enlarged prostate and was discharged after three nights in the hospital. Catherine, 42, also had abdominal surgery and is now home with her husband, Prince William, and their children.
With Charles and Catherine needing weeks of rest, and Prince William tending to his wife, most of the burden of public engagements has fallen on the 76-year-old queen, Camilla. It also means greater roles in the short term for the king’s sister, Princess Anne, and his brother, Prince Edward.
The king’s recuperation could last up to a month, and Catherine is expected to be out of action until at least Easter on March 31, according to her Kensington Palace office. Charles has been open about his condition, with no reasons given for Catherine’s hospital admission.
Camilla has increased her public engagements, while Prince Edward recently spent time in the remote British overseas territory of Saint Helena. Princess Anne visited a prison and opened a new sailing center, while standing in for her brother at an investiture ceremony.
The current situation has taken away the presence of the younger royal family members, who were expected to attend the BAFTA film awards in February. Opinion polling shows that younger people are less interested in the British monarchy.
The number of working royals has decreased in recent years, with Prince Harry and Meghan, Prince Andrew, and other older family members absent from official engagements. This leaves Queen Camilla as the main public representative of the British monarchy, at least for the time being.
