The Duchess of Cornwall is forced to cancel official engagement in Portsmouth after suddenly becoming ill overnight
- The Duchess was due to travel to Portsmouth for a military event today
- But she became ill with gastroenteritis overnight and had to pull out
- Event is being held to mark the completion of Operation Gritrock
- Gritrock is the UK's contribution to the global anti-Ebola effort
The Duchess of Cornwall has been forced to cancel her appearance at a military event due to a bout of gastroenteritis.
Camilla, who is commodore-in-chief of the Royal Naval Medical Services, was due to present medals and take the salute of personnel in Portsmouth this morning.
But, after becoming unwell overnight, she was advised to pull out of the event which was to mark the completion of Operation Gritrock, the UK’s contribution to the anti-Ebola effort.
Unwell: The Duchess of Cornwall has been forced to pull out of a visit to Portsmouth after becoming unwell
A Clarence House spokesman said that after becoming ill and seeking medical advice from a doctor she took the decision not to travel to the event.
He added: 'The Duchess of Cornwall has been forced to withdraw from an engagement in Portsmouth this morning due to a bout of gastroenteritis.
'Her Royal Highness is very disappointed that she will be unable to present medals and take the salute to mark the completion of Operation Gritrock, the UK’s support to the global Ebola threat.
'The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir George Zambellas, who was due to present medals alongside the Duchess, will continue the event and read the Duchess’s speech.'
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually caused by a viral infection according to the NHS.
Salute: She had been due to attend an event to mark the completion of Operation Gritlock - the UK's response to the Ebola crisis which involved deploying hospital ship RFA Argus to Sierra Leone's capital Freetown
Fleet review: The ship is based at Portsmouth, pictured, one of the UK's largest naval ports
The major symptoms are diarrhoea and vomiting, although most sufferers also endure headaches, stomach cramps and aching limbs on top.
Yesterday saw Camilla make a memorable appearance on ITV daytime show This Morning, during which she impressed veteran host Phillip Schofield with her presenting skills.
The Duchess, who was appearing on live TV for the very first time, was declared 'a natural' by the 53-year-old who later called her 'utterly charming'.
During the visit, the Duchess, 68, was also introduced to other ITV stars, among them Lorraine Kelly and Birds of a Feather actresses Pauline Quirke, Lesley Joseph and Linda Robson.
Clearly a fan of the long-running drama, the Duchess reportedly had to be dragged away by aides after spending too much time chatting to the trio.
Her husband Prince Charles, who spent yesterday on official business in Scotland, will spend today touring Yorkshire before returning to London and his sick wife this evening.
Memorable: Camilla spent yesterday meeting ITV stars, among them the cast of Birds of a Feather
All smiles: She became slightly starstruck after being introduced to the 'very famous' Lorraine Kelly
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