Queen Camilla is 'on good form' as she recovers from a chest infection

The Queen is in good spirits as she recovers from a chest infection – and pulled out of recent engagements only because she didn’t want to spoil anyone else’s enjoyment with her cough, friends say.

They revealed that Camilla is ‘on good form’, but coughs whenever she starts speaking.

Palace insiders say there is no cause for alarm.

Although the Queen managed to attend several functions last week, she left King Charles to enjoy the Royal Variety Performance alone on Friday.

A royal source said: ‘[The Queen] is a great believer that the show must go on and hopes to be back to full strength and regular public duties very soon.’

Given the length and lateness of Friday's engagement, the Queen had, sources said, 'sensibly' decided to heed medical advice not to 'overstretch' herself.

It is understood that she remained in London until Saturday but then travelled to Sandringham for the week as planned.

She is said to be feeling a little under the weather still but, generally speaking. on the mend. A royal source said Her Majesty was 'naturally disappointed to miss the evening's entertainments, and sends her sincere apologies to all those involved'.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: 'Following a recent chest infection, The Queen continues to experience some lingering post-viral symptoms, as a result of which doctors have advised that, after a busy week of engagements, Her Majesty should prioritise sufficient rest.

'With great regret, she has therefore withdrawn from attendance at [Friday's] Royal Variety Performance. His Majesty will attend as planned.'

Despite being without his wife, King Charles seemed delighted to see the stars at the Royal Variety Performance.

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King Charles in fits of giggles over comedian's cheeky joke at the Royal Variety Performance 

Looking smart in a crisp dinner jacket, the monarch laughed as he entered the Royal Albert Hall - and was met by Sir Elton John.

The monarch also accepted a posy meant for his wife from Iris King-Taylor, eight, and Louie Cooper, ten, which included flowers picked from the gardens of Brinsworth House, the Royal Variety Charity care home in Twickenham, south west London, which mirrored blooms carried by the Queen on her wedding day. 

The Royal Variety Show - a hardy annual of the Buckingham Palace calendar - is the world's longest running entertainment show, dating back to 1912.

It supports the Royal Variety Charity which helps members of the entertainment industry in the UK who need help and assistance, including those that have fallen on hard times or need mental health support.

This is the first year that His Majesty has attended as patron of the Royal Variety Charity.

Star turns in this year's show includes a performances from the new productions of Oliver and The Devil Wears Prada , a song by Sydney Christmas - the winner of this year's Britain's Got Talent programme whose prize it is to perform live - plus magic duo Penn & Teller.

The 2024 Royal Variety Performance will be broadcast on TV over the Christmas and New Year holiday.