King Charles III and Queen Camilla hosted a banquet for Qatar’s Royal Couple, but it wasn’t the evening’s grandeur that stole the spotlight—it was what the Queen wore on her head.
During a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace, Queen Camilla, 77, donned the late Queen Elizabeth II’s iconic crown—a gesture steeped in royal tradition. While it symbolized continuity in the monarchy, the choice drew mixed reactions online.
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.
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.
Camilla’s look was completed with a diamond necklace from the royal collection and the Family Orders of both the late Queen and King Charles III.
While her attire exuded royal tradition, it also stirred strong emotions online. “It makes me ill too see her wear this crown [sic],” one detractor wrote. Another dismissed Camilla’s choice of the tiara, expressing disapproval with a sarcastic tone.
Someone else harshly remarked, “I’m sure Queen Elizabeth is screaming from her grave to take off her jewels I don’t think she was a fan of Camilla’s.[sic]” A fourth bluntly stated, “This is an utter disgrace.”
However, supporters praised her elegance. One royal fan raved, “❤️The larger tiaras ready suit Queen Camilla [sic].” Another noted, “I love that The Queen Consort is wearing the Kokoshnik tiara! Suits her very well! ❤️👑
.”
Conversely, an admirer praised her overall appearance, emphasizing how beautiful Camilla looked in her dress and how striking the tiara appeared.
A netizen’s remark on Queen Camilla’s choice of crown, posted on December 3, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/theroyalfamily
More supporters shared positive comments about the Queen’s appearance at the state dinner. One admired her vibrant red gown, while others kept their praise brief, calling her “beautiful” 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 netizen’s reaction to Queen Camilla’s 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 “lingering” 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 Qatar’s visit to the United Kingdom in London, England, on December 3, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
To accommodate her recovery, Camilla followed her doctor’s 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 “with significantly diminished reserves of energy,” 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, Camilla’s 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 UK’s 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 doctors’ 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 “speedy recovery” 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 Camilla’s 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 Queen’s 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 Camilla’s 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 Charles’s recent absences.
A netizen’s reaction to Queen Camilla’s diagnosis, posted on November 5, 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/skynews
Others suggested that Camilla may be exhausted from managing both her and Charles’s 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 netizen’s comment on Queen Camilla’s diagnosis, posted on November 5, 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/skynews
Amid mixed reactions from netizens, the Palace shared that Camilla’s 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. Thomas’s Anglican Church in Sydney, Camilla took selfies with the crowd — 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. Thomas’s Anglican Church on October 20, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
CCN Royal Commentator Victoria Arbiter explains, “Royals would always rather have a personal interaction than have people clamoring for selfies.”
Queen Camilla greets supporters at St. Thomas’s 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
Camilla’s 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 couple’s 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 Australia’s 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 Diana’s 1983 signature.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla look at the Book of Common Prayer during a visit to St. Thomas’s 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 island’s traditions and beauty.
At the time, Charles planted a tree in a garden dedicated to him, supporting the island’s “Talafalu for Pepe a’e” 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 Mata’afa 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 Mail’s royals account offered followers a closer look at her emotional response and contextualized Camilla’s tears.
Queen Camilla in Samoa in October 2024 | Source: Getty Images
In the post’s 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 monarchy’s adherence to its historical customs in the modern era.
