The King walked into Westminster Cathedral alone (Image: Getty)

Sky News brought coverage to a standstill on Tuesday afternoon (September 16) to deliver a major royal update after King Charles arrived at the Duchess of Kent’s funeral without Queen Camilla by his side. The King walked into Westminster Cathedral alone for the requiem mass of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, following the Queen’s sudden withdrawal due to illness. Viewers were told live on air that she had been forced to pull out at the last minute after travelling down from Scotland earlier in the day.

A Sky News commentator told audiences: “The King and Queen were due to attend today but the Queen pulled out at the last minute. She has Sinusitis. She had travelled down from Scotland to attend the funeral and of course be on hand for the President Trump visit and she is still expected to attend those but not attending the ceremony today.”

Camilla, 78, is recovering from acute sinusitis (Image: Getty)
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“Many other members of the Royal Family including the King there as well.” Buckingham Palace later confirmed the diagnosis, revealing that Camilla, 78, is “recovering from acute Sinusitis.”

A spokesperson added: “With great regret, Her Majesty The Queen has withdrawn from attendance at this afternoon’s Requiem Mass for The Duchess of Kent as she is recovering from acute sinusitis.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

Her unexpected absence has raised concerns over her availability for US President Donald Trump’s high-profile state visit, which begins at Windsor on Wednesday (September 17).

The trip, hosted by King Charles, will see the monarchs join the American leader for several events, including a glittering state banquet. Palace insiders insist Camilla is hopeful she will be well enough to participate in the full programme.

The requiem mass itself carried historic significance as the first Catholic funeral for a member of the monarchy in modern times.

A wide array of senior royals joined Charles at the cathedral, including Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal with Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and Prince Andrew alongside Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York.

Figures from outside royal circles also turned up to pay respects. Former Formula One world champion Sir Jackie Stewart, actress Rula Lenska and Dame Maureen Lipman were spotted among mourners entering the cathedral.

Camilla’s decision to step back from the service has been understood by the Duke of Kent, who was informed personally and wished her a swift recovery.

Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, who became the oldest living member of the Royal Family when Queen Elizabeth II d!ed in 2022, d!ed at the age of 92 on 4 September.

US President Donald Trump begins a state visit to the UK on Wednesday (September 17), where he will be formally received by King Charles at Windsor Castle, attend a lavish state banquet, and take part in a series of ceremonial events alongside senior members of the Royal Family.