“I’m slightly jet lagged,” Queen Camilla remarked, reflecting on her recent experiences after a state visit to the United States with King Charles III. This comment highlights not just her fatigue but also her long-standing aversion to flying.
Following their visit, Queen Camilla chose not to join King Charles on his flight to Bermuda. Her preference for minimizing time in the air is well-documented, and this decision underscores the tension between personal comfort and royal duties. During the state visit, King Charles addressed a joint session of Congress, earning bipartisan standing ovations—a moment that emphasized the significance of his role on the international stage.
Queen Camilla’s first trip to New York City was in 1999, aimed at building public acceptance after Princess Diana’s death. Over the years, she has attended various royal engagements, including garden parties and gala dinners. Yet, her discomfort with flying often casts a shadow over such events. The five-hour time difference between the UK and East Coast of the US only exacerbates her jet lag—a factor she clearly feels after lengthy travels.
The royal couple has made numerous trips across the Atlantic; King Charles III has visited the United States a total of 24 times throughout his life. Despite this extensive history, Queen Camilla’s reluctance remains a topic of interest among observers of royal affairs. She was recently spotted at a US airport ahead of her commercial flight back to the UK, further illustrating her preferences.
As discussions continue about the implications of these travel choices on royal engagements, one thing is clear: personal preferences can significantly influence public perception and royal duties. With Queen Camilla now at 78, how she manages these aspects of her life may evolve further in coming years.