A change in plans. Camilla DuchessLeaving an interview with Today‘s Jenna Bush HagerHours before Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96.
The 75-year-old Duchess of Cornwall was scheduled to meet with the broadcaster, 40, on Thursday, September 8. However, Camilla was forced to cancel the interview after the monarch, 96-year-old, was placed under medical supervision. The Sisters FirstAuthor updated the situation from outside the Dumfries House in Scotland.
“We were just hours away from our interview when she and her husband took off to go see Her Majesty the Queen in Balmoral,” the Texas native explainedTo her TodayDon’t forget to show your colleagues on Thursday “This is not something they do lightly. Their schedules are jam-packed with events for philanthropy. The interview was only one of many events the duchess had planned today. We know from the palace that this is something they will not take lightly. The whole United Kingdom is thinking about the queen.”
Camilla, Duchesse of Cornwall Shutterstock
Former President George W. Bush‘s daughter noted that she’d heard locals raving about Elizabeth ever since she touched down across the pond. “There is a somber feeling here in Scotland today,” the Our Great Big Backyardwriter added. “I got to spend some time with His Royal Highness Prince CharlesLast night, I was going to be there [Camilla] today. I know that public grieving is a very difficult thing and right now their thoughts are with their mother.”
Buckingham Palace revealed in a statement on Thursday morning that doctors were concerned about Elizabeth’s health. “The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral,” the palace noted at the time as Charles, 73, Camilla and Prince William rushed to be by the monarch’s side.
Hours later, news broke of Her Majesty’s passing. “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” a palace statement read on Thursday. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Camilla Duchess and Prince Charles of Cornwall, and Queen Elizabeth II. Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock
With Elizabeth’s firstborn son now on his way to reign as king, Camilla will join him as Queen Consort. The late royal expressed her desire to see her daughter in law take the role, as she celebrated her 70-year service to the U.K.
“When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me,” Elizabeth noted at the time. “And it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.”
The heir and his spouse graciously accepted the honor in their own statement. “On this historic day, my wife and I join you all in congratulating Her Majesty The Queen on the remarkable achievement of serving this nation, the Realms and Commonwealth for seventy years,” the couple, who tied the knot in 2005, gushed. “The Queen’s devotion to the welfare of all her people inspires still greater admiration with each passing year.”
They concluded: “As we have sought together to serve and support Her Majesty and the people of our communities, my darling wife has been my own steadfast support throughout.”
Jenna Bush Kristina Bumphrey/Starpix/Shutterstock
A source exclusively told the story after the major development. Us Weekly that Elizabeth and Camilla’s relationship had grown strong since the latter first joined the royal family. “Through her dedication and loyalty to The Firm, she has more than proved to her that she has what it takes,” the insider noted in February. “Camilla has definitely grown on Elizabeth II, more so than ever during the [coronavirus] pandemic. She really upped her game and willingly took a hands-on approach with additional duties.”
Later that month, Camilla told reporters at a charity event in London that she was “very honored and very touched” by her late mother-in-law’s vision for her future.
