CAM CARRIES ON
Queen Camilla puts on a brave face at charity visit after King Charles misses church service ahead of scheduled op
King Charles has been urged to rest ahead of his surgery
QUEEN Camilla put on a brave face at a charity visit this morning after King Charles missed a church service just days before his scheduled op.
The monarch, 75, has been absent from Royal duties while awaiting hospital treatment for an enlarged prostate next week.
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Nevertheless, the brave Queen appeared in good spirits as she carried on with public appearances despite the family's "very very difficult" time.
She marked the 50th anniversary of the Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (SDASS), at charity refuge today.
During her visit, Queen Camilla praised their “brilliant” work in helping victims of domestic violence.
She said the tireless work SDASS does was, “so much more than looking after victims of horrific abuse.”
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“It’s looking after the children, getting into schools and teaching respect and working with perpetrators too,” the Queen said.
“Thank you all for playing such a important part on the road to obliterating the abuse."
Queen Camilla was greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sarah
Troughton and introduced to the charity's chair of trustees, Nicky Alberry and Joanna Eamey, its chief executive.
During a short reception, the Queen joined teams from across the organisation, including Community Services team, the Refuge team, the Children & Young People’s Team, the Open2Change Team.
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Queen Camilla also unveiled a plaque to recognise the charity's work at the reception.
She then visited one of the flats and chatted with current residents with their children.
The life-saving refuge can host 22 families at a time, with 20 flats that have between one and three bedrooms, as well as an emergency bedsit.
Women and children up to the age of 18 are offered a safe place to live and tend to stay for around four months, while every year around 62 families, including 78 children are supported.
The Queen also learned from the Open to Change initiative, that works with perpetrators and victims, to eradicate abuse in relationships.
Louisa Wrighton, Open2Change manager, said Queen Camilla was pleased to hear up to 75 of the perpetrators they have worked with have not reoffended.
Team members Laura Howse and Gemma Henshall spoke to the Queen about anticipated funds they hoped could extend the scheme.
“Her Majesty was interested in what we do and the detail of how it works,” said Louisa.
The Queen did not speak about the King or his forthcoming operation.
Queen Camilla also beamed as she opened a new 'Safe Space' at Aberdeen Art Gallery last week, as part of an initiative to provide help and guidance to people if they suspect someone is living with domestic abuse.
The Queen greeted visitors on Thursday January 18, just hours after the Royal Family's medical operations were revealed.
It comes as both King Charles and Princess Kate have taken a step back from royal duties amid medical operations.
The Monarch is awaiting treatment for an enlarged prostate, it was announced on Wednesday.
In a statement by Buckingham Palace, it was confirmed: "In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate.
"His Majesty's condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure.
"The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation."
Royal fans gathered outside St Mary Magdalene Church on Sunday, in the hope of seeing His Majesty at the 11am service, but gates to the paddock outside were locked.
It meant they could not reach the roped-off path, where they are usually allowed to stand, at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
Onlookers were disappointed King Charles was absent, but understood his need for rest and privacy while he preps for corrective surgery this week.
The monarch was spotted for the first time on Friday, leaving his private home Birkhall, in Aberdeenshire, following the announcement.
Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales is currently out of action recovering from planned abdominal surgery.
It is understood the operation was not for cancer, but Kensington Palace have not speculated on the private medical matter.
The Palace released a statement about Kate's health which read: “The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate.
"She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.
“Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share.
"The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements.
"She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.”
The Princess was last seen conducting Royal duties with Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham.
Kate is now expected to miss upcoming events including the BAFTA's on February 18, St David's Day parade on March 1, the St Patrick's Day parade on March 17, and Church on Easter Sunday on March 31.
She may have to sit out of Prince Edward's 60th birthday celebrations on March 10 too.
Prince William is also taking a step back to care for his wife and kids, Prince Georgie, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
A Royal Expert dubbed Princess Anne the glue holding the family together during their "very very difficult" time.
Author Angela Levin has told The Sun: "I find it extremely worrying because in a way the Royal Family is a connection to your own family, you know how they progress, you know when a baby has arrived.
"To see three of them fall off the top is very very difficult.
"The late Queen always felt she had to be seen to be believed and if you can't see the three people at the top it's difficult.
"You feel very disjointed from it all.
"I was very concerned that maybe Harry would be next in charge to stand in for the King, this is what I always hoped would never happen.
"You can rely on Princess Anne 100 per cent. She would work extremely hard.
"Edward and his wife would also do a lot but I don't think the King will be out for long.
"Camilla has already said he can't wait to get back to work."
Angela added how a slimmed-down monarchy "is good" but losing the leaders this week is concerning.
Meanwhile, it has also been reported Harry and Meghan tried to contact the King and Kate as they undergo their hospital procedures.
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to have reached out to “both parties in different pays to pass on their concern and best wishes”.
Prince Harry failed to publicly send his best wishes to his dad and sister-in-law when he collected an award at a glitzy ceremony on Saturday.
What is an enlarged prostate?
The prostate is a small gland found in the pelvis between the penis and the bladder.
If it becomes enlarged, it can put pressure on the bladder and the urethra - the tube that urine passes through.
The medical term for an enlarged prostate is benign prostatic enlargement (BPE).
It may affect how you go to the toilet. You might notice you have:
- Difficulty starting to pee
- A frequent need to pee, especially at night
- Problems fully emptying your bladder
- A weak flow
- Dribbling urine after you finish
- A sudden urge to urinate
An enlarged prostate is very common in men over the age of 50.
It is not cancerous, and it is not usually serious, though some men require treatment to lessen their symptoms. This might include medication or surgery.
Most sufferers are also encouraged to drink less alcohol and exercise more.
The exact cause isn't known, but doctors believe it is linked to hormonal changes due to age.
Complications are rare, but include urinary tract infections (UTIs), chronic urinary retention (when you cannot empty your bladder fully), and acute urinary retention (the sudden inability to pass any urine).
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