Katharine died earlier this month surrounded by her close family

QUEEN Camilla will not go to the Duchess of Kent’s funeral today as she is recovering from an illness, the palace has announced.

The 78-year-old has pulled out while she recovers from a sinus infection.

Queen Camilla wearing a diamond tiara, necklace, earrings, and a dark dress embroidered with silver patterns.
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Camilla will not go to the Duchess of Kent’s funeral, the palace has announcedCredit: Splash

The Duke and Duchess of Kent at a Grenfell Tower fire commemoration.
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The Duke and Duchess of Kent attend a service for Grenfell Tower in 2018Credit: AFP

The bearer party carrying the coffin of Katharine, Duchess of Kent into Westminster Cathedral.
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The bearer party carry the coffin of Katharine, Duchess of Kent into Westminster Cathedral ahead of her funeralCredit: Getty
Katharine – wife to the late Queen’s cousin Prince Edward and the oldest living member of the Royal Family – died earlier this month aged 92 surrounded by her close family.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “With great regret, Her Majesty The Queen has withdrawn from attendance at this afternoon’s Requiem Mass for The Duchess of Kent as she is recovering from acute sinusitis.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.

The Queen travelled down from Scotland this morning and is currently en route to Windsor to rest.

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 this afternoon.

Katharine had rarely been seen at official engagements in recent years after stepping back from royal duties more than two decades ago.

But she once drew global acclaim for her moving public display of royal warmth at Wimbledon.

In 1993, she hugged sobbing tennis player Jana Novotná after her final loss.

She always insisted that the cuddle was nothing special, saying of the Royal Family: “We are quite normal people.”

Born Katharine Worsley in 1933, she grew up in North Yorkshire at Hovingham Hall, the grand ancestral home of her father, Sir William Worsley.

A statement from the Royal Family at the time of her passing said: “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.”

The Duke of Sussex also sent his condolences privately to the Duchess of Kent’s family.

A tribute from the Prince and Princess of Wales said: “Our thoughts today are with The Duke of Kent and his family, particularly George, Helen and Nicholas.

“The Duchess worked tirelessly to help others and supported many causes, including through her love of music.

“She will be a much missed member of the family.”

Duchess of Kent's coffin being carried by pallbearers into Westminster Cathedral.
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The coffin is carried in to Westminster Cathedral for a private vigil ahead of her funeralCredit: EPA

Lady Helen Taylor and the Duke of Kent shaking hands with a priest before a funeral.
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Lady Helen Taylor and the Duke of Kent ahead of the arrival of the coffin of the Duchess of Kent at Westminster CathedralCredit: PA

Katharine, Duchess of Kent, waving at a pre-wedding dinner.
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Katharine attends a gala pre-wedding dinner in 2011Credit: Getty