London, 7 December 2025 – Just one hour ago, at approximately 9:15 p.m. GMT, the ominous toll of emergency bells echoed through the private apartments of Buckingham Palace, summoning senior members of the Royal Family to an urgent gathering in the Bow Room. What unfolded behind the closed doors has left the monarchy reeling.
In scenes described by a senior palace aide as “the most distressing since the night Queen Elizabeth II passed,” the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and other close family members assembled under flickering candlelight after an abrupt cancellation of all evening engagements.
Eyewitnesses inside the Palace report that Catherine, Princess of Wales, was seen entering the room supported by her husband, Prince William, already in tears. Moments later, Princess Anne – known throughout her life for her stoic composure – appeared visibly shaken, her face ashen and her hands trembling as she prepared to address the gathered royals.
With a voice that reportedly cracked several times, the King’s sister delivered the harrowing update:
“I regret to inform you all… Queen Camilla has been taken critically ill. She was rushed to King Edward VII’s Hospital less than thirty minutes ago. The medical team have placed Her Majesty under close observation in intensive care. The King is with her now. We simply do not yet know…”
At that point, sources say Princess Anne was unable to continue. The Princess Catherine reportedly collapsed into Prince William’s arms, sobbing uncontrollably, while the usually unflappable Princess Royal turned away, covering her face as tears streamed down her cheeks.
The exact nature of Queen Camilla’s sudden medical emergency remains closely guarded at this stage, with Buckingham Palace issuing only the briefest of statements at 10:07 p.m.:
“Her Majesty The Queen Consort was taken unwell this evening and, as a precautionary measure, has been admitted to hospital for tests and observation. Further updates will be provided in due course. The Royal Family asks for privacy at this time.”
However, multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation have told this outlet that the situation is “extremely serious.” One senior courtier, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “This was not a planned admission. It happened suddenly at Clarence House. The King was present when she collapsed. Ambulances arrived within minutes with a full trauma team.”
Another source close to the medical team at King Edward VII’s Hospital – the private facility in Marylebone traditionally used by the Royal Family – confirmed that Queen Camilla, 78, arrived by emergency convoy shortly after 8:50 p.m. She was immediately transferred to a secure wing normally reserved for senior royals and placed under 24-hour monitoring. Armed protection officers have sealed off an entire floor, and only a handful of pre-approved consultants are being allowed access.
The Queen had appeared in apparently good spirits earlier in the day. She carried out a full schedule of engagements, including a morning visit to a children’s hospice in Hampshire and an afternoon reception for literacy charities at Clarence House. Photographs taken as recently as six hours ago show her smiling warmly and engaging animatedly with guests. Palace insiders say there had been no prior indication of serious health concerns, though it is known that Camilla has suffered occasional bouts of pneumonia and back trouble in recent years.
King Charles, 77, who has himself been undergoing treatment for cancer diagnosed in February 2024, reportedly refused to leave his wife’s bedside after accompanying her in the ambulance. A close friend of the couple said: “Charles is utterly distraught. He keeps saying, ‘I can’t lose her, not now, not after everything.’ They have barely been apart since his own diagnosis.”
The news has sent shockwaves through royal households across Europe. Kensington Palace confirmed that Prince William immediately cancelled a long-planned overseas tour scheduled to begin next week, while Prince Harry, currently in California, is understood to be making urgent arrangements to fly back to London with Meghan and their children. A source in Montecito said simply: “He is devastated and is coming home as fast as humanly possible.”
World leaders have begun sending messages of support. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said in a statement: “The thoughts of the entire nation are with His Majesty The King and the Royal Family during this anxious time.” U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “Camilla is a wonderful woman and a great Queen. America is praying for her speedy recovery.”
As of 10:30 p.m., medical staff are continuing a battery of tests. Sources say doctors are working to stabilize Her Majesty’s condition, with particular attention to heart and respiratory function. While the Palace has stressed that she remains “under observation” rather than in a coma or on life support, the deployment of such extensive resources in the middle of the night has fuelled deep concern.
For now, the Royal Family waits in a vigil that echoes the tense hours of September 2022, when Queen Elizabeth II’s health dramatically deteriorated at Balmoral. Outside the hospital, small crowds have already begun to gather despite the late hour and freezing temperatures, laying flowers at the gates and holding handwritten cards reading “Get Well Soon, Ma’am” and “We Love You, Queen Camilla.”
One well-wisher, 62-year-old Patricia Owens from Essex, told reporters through tears: “She’s been through so much, standing by the King when he was ill. She doesn’t deserve this. Please God she pulls through.”
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as soon as new information becomes available from Buckingham Palace or the medical team treating Her Majesty.
Our thoughts are with the King and the entire Royal Family at this deeply distressing time.
