Queen Camilla, who has been considered a rock for the monarch amid his cancer treatment, sparked concerns after missing a key event to support her husband. King Charles kicked off a crucial Caribbean tour on Tuesday on his own, despite Buckingham Palace's itinerary noting that his wife would accompany him.
Usually, Camilla joins the King on overseas visits, but she was not seen in The Bahamas. "Camilla's travel issues limit her ability to join him on a tour like this, involving island hopping on smaller planes," an insider told New Idea regarding the Queen's phobia of flying.
Despite her fears, Camilla is expected to join Charles for the final leg of the tour in Antigua and Barbuda. This was planned to ensure she has fewer flights and less stress, especially regarding smaller aircraft.
"She really wanted to be there for the whole tour as it is a crucial period for the Commonwealth and he needs all the support he can get, but it was Charles who insisted she minimize her time on planes by meeting up for the last leg," the source explained.
According to phobia expert Christopher Paul Jones, aerophobia is rarely about the plane but usually about feeling out of control. Camilla has long struggled with this, though a Clarence House spokesman once said she has to embrace that fear sometimes.
She has been working with therapists on the matter to manage these anxieties. The royal couple continues to navigate the challenges of public duty while balancing the King's health requirements and the Queen's personal limitations.
The Commonwealth remains a priority for the monarchy, and the King's decision to proceed with the tour signals his commitment to these diplomatic ties despite his ongoing medical treatment. Observers note that the King's health has been a central focus for the palace, with the Queen playing an increasingly vital role in maintaining the visibility of the crown.
The adjustment to the travel schedule highlights the practical compromises the royal family must make to ensure both the King's health and the Queen's well-being are prioritized during this demanding period. As the tour progresses, the public remains supportive of the couple, acknowledging the difficulty of balancing royal obligations with personal health and phobias.