Queen Camilla Is 'Not a Complainer': Consort Is 'Shattered and Exhausted' by King Charles' Cancer Battle But 'Proud' to Support Him

A cancer diagnosis is devastating for an individual, but also life-altering for their loved ones, and Queen Camilla is reportedly "shattered" by King Charles' struggle with the insidious disease. Although Her Majesty is "exhausted" with her increase in royal duties, she is also said to be "proud" to support her husband.

"She is absolutely shattered and exhausted by the turmoil of the past two months," a confidant of the Queen told an outlet. "She is 76 years old, and her husband has just been diagnosed with cancer. Anyone would find that a lot to deal with, without the media scrutiny that comes with her position as well."

Focus on Queen Camilla has ramped up in 2024 as both she and the King's heir, Prince William, have stepped up to lead the public face of the monarchy. The King continues to receive treatments for the still unknown variety of the disease and is dedicated to fulfilling the constitutional, behind-the-scenes requirements of his role.

"Camilla has basically had to do everything in recent months, and it is no secret that it has been tiring," a friend of the King and Queen spilled. "She has been under extraordinary pressure at a time in her life when most people are well into their retirement. You would never hear her moan about it because she knows it goes with the territory, but everyone is just very glad she is taking some time for herself, especially as this could go on for several more months."

The Queen is taking this week off from royal duties in preparation for her historic filling in for her spouse at this year's Royal Maundy Service on March 28. She will become the first consort to ever deputize for a monarch at the service that stretches back over 800 years in England and the U.K.

The Queen's increased role also comes during Kate, Princess of Wales' recovery from a "serious" abdominal surgery on January 16. The Prince of Wales has been preoccupied with trying to step forward and co-lead the monarchy while also ensuring he spends time with his ailing spouse.

Many royal analysts are comparing Queen Camilla's supportive work ethic to that of her predecessor in the role, Prince Philip — the longest-serving royal consort in British history as the spouse of Queen Elizabeth II.

"It wasn’t what she anticipated but, as anyone who knows her will tell you, she is not a complainer," the confidant added when discussing the Queen's thrusting into the spotlight. "She is proud to support her husband. We are all just very happy that she has actually gone ahead and taken this week off."

The Daily Beast reported on the insider revelations.