King Charles III and Queen Camilla hosted a banquet for Qatarâs Royal Couple, but it wasnât the eveningâs grandeur that stole the spotlightâit was what the Queen wore on her head.
During a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace, Queen Camilla, 77, donned the late Queen Elizabeth IIâs iconic crownâa gesture steeped in royal tradition. While it symbolized continuity in the monarchy, the choice drew mixed reactions online.
A netizenâs comment on Queen Camillaâs choice of crown, posted on December 3, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/theroyalfamily
The banquet, held on December 3, honored the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani. Around 150 guests attended, celebrating the strong ties between the United Kingdom and Qatar in diplomacy, culture, and trade.
Queen Camilla, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, King Charles III, and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani attend the state banquet at Buckingham Palace in London on December 3, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
For the occasion, Camilla wore a red velvet evening gown by Fiona Clare. She paired it with the diamond Kokoshnik tiara, a piece closely linked to the late monarch.
Queen Camilla and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar, posted on December 3, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/theroyalfamily
Camillaâs look was completed with a diamond necklace from the royal collection and the Family Orders of both the late Queen and King Charles III.
Queen Camilla attends the state banquet for Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Buckingham Palace on December 3, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
While her attire exuded royal tradition, it also stirred strong emotions online. âIt makes me ill too see her wear this crown [sic],â one detractor wrote. Another dismissed Camillaâs choice of the tiara, expressing disapproval with a sarcastic tone.
A netizenâs remark on Queen Camillaâs choice of crown, posted on December 3, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/theroyalfamily
Someone else harshly remarked, âIâm sure Queen Elizabeth is screaming from her grave to take off her jewels I donât think she was a fan of Camillaâs.[sic]â A fourth bluntly stated, âThis is an utter disgrace.â
Queen Elizabeth II wears the Kokoshnik Tiara at a state banquet in Delhi, India, on November 18, 1983 | Source: Getty Images
However, supporters praised her elegance. One royal fan raved, ââ€ïžThe larger tiaras ready suit Queen Camilla [sic].â Another noted, âI love that The Queen Consort is wearing the Kokoshnik tiara! Suits her very well! â€ïžđ.â
Conversely, an admirer praised her overall appearance, emphasizing how beautiful Camilla looked in her dress and how striking the tiara appeared.
A netizenâs remark on Queen Camillaâs choice of crown, posted on December 3, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/theroyalfamily
More supporters shared positive comments about the Queenâs appearance at the state dinner. One admired her vibrant red gown, while others kept their praise brief, calling her âbeautifulâ and expressing admiration with emojis.
Amid these conflicting opinions, one commenter adopted a more balanced stance, defending Camilla by highlighting her steadfast dedication to Charles and her central role in supporting him, regardless of public sentiment.
A netizenâs reaction to Queen Camillaâs choice of crown, posted on December 3, 2024 | Source: facebook.com/GBNewsOnline
While much of the attention was on her tiara, Camilla also revealed details about her health during the banquet. She noted that her chest infection was a form of pneumonia, which still causes âlingeringâ side effects.
The illness, initially misdiagnosed, caused her to miss several public engagements and left her with post-viral fatigue. Despite this, she demonstrated her commitment to royal duties by attending key parts of the event.
Queen Camilla arrives at Buckingham Palace during the Amir of Qatarâs visit to the United Kingdom in London, England, on December 3, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
To accommodate her recovery, Camilla followed her doctorâs advice, skipping the outdoor ceremonies and attending a formal lunch at Buckingham Palace ahead of the evening banquet.
Palace sources emphasized that while she has recovered from pneumonia, the illness has left her âwith significantly diminished reserves of energy,â requiring further adjustments to her schedule.
Queen Camilla arrives at Buckingham Palace in London on December 3, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The Palace announced that Camilla had a chest infection on November 5, 2024.
According to the BBC, Camillaâs diagnosis led her to cancel her engagements that Thursday, including her planned appearance at the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, where the Duchess of Gloucester represented her.
Queen Camilla reacts at the UKâs D-Day 80th anniversary event on Southsea Common, Portsmouth on June 5, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
It was also reported that Camilla missed an evening reception at the Palace for Olympic and Paralympic athletes, which Charles hosted alone.
On doctorsâ advice, Camilla rested at home. However, she aimed to attend special events that weekend, including the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and the Cenotaph service in Whitehall.
Following the announcement of her diagnosis, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer extended well-wishes for her âspeedy recoveryâ for the Queen.
Queen Camilla visits the restored Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings in Shropshire, England, on March 27, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Many royal supporters expressed their well-wishes, with one sharing hopes for Camillaâs comfort, rest, and recovery. Another simply prayed for her speedy healing.
Queen Camilla attends QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot Racecourse in Ascot, England, on October 21, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
One critic questioned the King and Queenâs ability to fulfill their roles, citing health issues as a barrier to performing royal duties. This critic also suggested that the late Queen Elizabeth II could have possibly extended her reign to limit the time Charles and Camilla would spend in power.
One commenter remarked that Camillaâs age might have contributed to her fatigue, noting that the demands of her previous trips could have been exhausting for both her and Charles.
More royal supporters continued to wish Camilla a swift recovery, while others offered prayers for her healing. Several noted her dedication to royal duties, especially during Charlesâs recent absences.
A netizenâs reaction to Queen Camillaâs diagnosis, posted on November 5, 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/skynews
Others suggested that Camilla may be exhausted from managing both her and Charlesâs appointments while he undergoes treatment. Another fan expressed sympathy for the demands of her role, noting that she has been working very hard, which could be overwhelming at her age.
A netizenâs comment on Queen Camillaâs diagnosis, posted on November 5, 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/skynews
Amid mixed reactions from netizens, the Palace shared that Camillaâs condition appears minor, possibly due to recent long-haul travels with Charles. In October, the couple visited Australia and Samoa, where Camilla shared candid moments with the public.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport on October 23, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
When the couple visited St. Thomasâs Anglican Church in Sydney, Camilla took selfies with the crowd â a move that caught the attention of many. While there are no obligatory codes of behavior when meeting a member of the royal family, tradition still holds strong.
Queen Camilla at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport on October 23, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
Men customarily give a simple neck bow, women may offer a small curtsy, and others choose a handshake. However, selfies, though not officially banned, have long been discouraged by the royal family.
Queen Camilla greets supporters at St. Thomasâs Anglican Church on October 20, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
CCN Royal Commentator Victoria Arbiter explains, âRoyals would always rather have a personal interaction than have people clamoring for selfies.â
Queen Camilla greets supporters at St. Thomasâs Anglican Church on October 20, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
Victoria highlighted the pitfalls of granting selfie requests, noting that it can quickly become overwhelming and raises security concerns due to the close proximity required.
Before Camilla, Prince William had also embraced a similarly relaxed approach at engagements in Sheffield in March and in London in June.
Queen Camilla meets members of the public during a walkabout at the Sydney Opera House on October 22, 2024, in Australia. | Source: Getty Images
Camillaâs interactions with fans during their six-day tour marked a shift in how the royal family adapts to modern public interactions. It was also the royal coupleâs first visit to the region since Charles ascended the throne.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Sydney Opera House on October 22, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
Among their official duties was the historic task of signing Australiaâs first Bible and Book of Common Prayer, a tradition upheld by every visiting royal.
The late Queen Elizabeth II signed the same book in 1954 during her historic visit, and Charles continued the tradition by signing below Princess Dianaâs 1983 signature.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla look at the Book of Common Prayer during a visit to St. Thomasâs Anglican Church on October 20, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
In Samoa, Camilla and Charles spent four days visiting communities, receiving a warm welcome, and enjoying events celebrating the islandâs traditions and beauty.
At the time, Charles planted a tree in a garden dedicated to him, supporting the islandâs âTalafalu for Pepe aâeâ program to protect the endangered Samoan swallowtail butterfly.
Another highlight was a royal dinner for Commonwealth leaders at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, where Samoan and British teams worked together to create an unforgettable evening in the gardens honoring the late Treasure Island author.
King Charles III and the Prime Minister of Samoa Naomi Mataâafa at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum reception and dinner in Apia, Samoa on October 25, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
On their final day, the couple attended a farewell ceremony celebrating local culture. Camilla became teary-eyed and was seen wiping beneath her eyes while shielding her face with an ornate fan.
Queen Camilla in Samoa in October 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Video footage posted on TikTok by the Daily Mailâs royals account offered followers a closer look at her emotional response and contextualized Camillaâs tears.
Queen Camilla in Samoa in October 2024 | Source: Getty Images
In the postâs caption, the account explained that Camilla began crying when Samoan leaders paid tribute to Charles and mentioned his ongoing battle with cancer.
Queen Camilla crying during the Samoa farewell, posted on October 28, 2024 | Source: TikTok/dailymailroyals
She later cried tears of joy as she laughed at how the rain had disrupted some of the proceedings by causing technical difficulties.
Queen Camilla in Samoa in October 2024 | Source: Getty Images
With her recent tours, Queen Camilla has shown unwavering dedication to her royal duties. Despite mixed opinions from netizens, she continues the tradition of wearing royal jewels, reflecting the monarchyâs adherence to its historical customs in the modern era.