King Charles continues public duties without Queen Consort

King Charles III paid a visit to a London food bank without the usual presence of Queen Consort Camilla at his side.

Though she was scheduled to attend the event, Buckingham Palace said that despite the Queen Consort’s “excellent” recovery from a bout of COVID-10, the couple thought it would be best if she rested rather than keep up with her busy schedule.

With his wife recovering, the king touted the efforts of millions of volunteers across the country and urged people to nominate some of their dedicated volunteers on behalf of her Coronation Champions Awards.

The Felix Project food charity

The 74-year old toured the kitchen and warehouses on the premises at East London’s Felix Project, an organization that distributes surplus food from grocery stores and supermarkets. It is the largest charity of its kind in London, tackling poverty and food waste in one fell swoop.

The Felix Project makes up to 5,000 meals a day, anything from chicken and mashed potatoes, to curry and rice, and has about 1,500 volunteers. The organization saved over 12, 000 tones of food last year that would have been otherwise discarded.

King Charles marked his visit with a plaque and commended the helpers for their dedication and hard work.

“I must just say what a remarkable organization the Felix project is,” he said. “I wanted to join in thanking them and congratulating them on the remarkable differences they are making all around this country. You are setting a fantastic example.”

“Above all, it is a wonderful example of volunteering at its best. So I can’t thank you enough, and all the volunteers, who represent a remarkable number all around this country, who make so many valuable things happen in their remarkable way,” the king continued. “So thank you to all the volunteers. Hopefully there may be some Coronation Champions volunteers among you, never know.”

Queen Consort Camilla’s recovery

Queen Consort Camila, struggling with her second bout of COVID-19, is said to be doing well in her recovery, but would not be able to make it to the Felix Project as planned.

“Her Majesty has made an excellent recovery from last week’s illness,” a palace spokesperson said. “However, to allow for additional preparation ahead of Thursday’s rescheduled literary reception and other commitments, Her Majesty will not be attending today’s Felix Project engagement.”

“His Majesty’s diary remains unaffected.”