King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a special memorial service for Sir Chips Keswick at St Paul’s Church in London on May 30. Sir Chips, the husband of Queen Camilla’s close friend Lady Sarah Keswick, passed away at the age of 84 on April 17.

The royal couple arrived together and King Charles conversed with The Reverend Canon Alan Gyle. Sir Chips was formerly the chairman of Hambros Bank and Arsenal Football Club, which expressed condolences after his passing.

Lady Sarah was supported by fellow Queen’s Companions, including Queen Camilla’s sister Annabel Elliot, Jane von Westenholz, and Fiona Shelburne. These companions, chosen by Queen Camilla following her husband’s accession in September 2022, offer informal support at official engagements.

While traditional ladies-in-waiting assisted with Queen Elizabeth’s duties, Queen’s Companions are more informal and have reduced responsibilities, as reported by the BBC.

Camilla’s ex-husband, Andrew Parker Bowles, was also present at the memorial service. Camilla and Andrew were married from 1973 to 1995 and share two children, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes.

Tom, Laura, and their families attended the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla in May 2023, along with Andrew.

The palace announced on the same day as the memorial service that the monarch will attend Trooping the Colour on June 15, ahead of the general election on July 4.

Although the royals usually keep a low profile during elections, it was decided that King Charles’ birthday parade should proceed as planned.

The King will review the troops from an Ascot Landau carriage alongside Queen Camilla, departing from his decision to ride on horseback in last year’s parade.

This update comes after the King resumed public engagements in late April following his cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Next week, the royal couple will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings at the national event with Prince William on June 5, followed by a service at the British Normandy Memorial in Normandy, France, on June 6. This trip marks the King’s first overseas visit since his cancer diagnosis was announced.