Royal watchers have recently taken to social media to share theories about Queen Camilla’s unusual choice to wear gloves during a recent public appearance.
On Monday, 26 May, Queen Camilla and King Charles III arrived in Canada amid rising political tensions between Canada, where Charles is the ceremonial head of state, and the United States.
These tensions have been stirred up by Donald Trump, who recently escalated a trade conflict and even made controversial remarks about annexing Canada as the 51st U.S. state.
Upon landing at Ottawa’s Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, the royal couple was welcomed by Governor General Mary Simon, Prime Minister Mark Carney, and his wife, Diana Fox Carney.
While the official greetings proceeded as expected, many couldn’t help but notice Camilla’s choice of accessory: a thick pair of gloves, seemingly out of place given the circumstances.
Curious royal fans quickly voiced their questions online. One user asked, “What’s with the gloves?”
Another echoed, “Why is Camilla wearing gloves?” Others began to speculate, with one suggesting that she might be trying to avoid contact with germs during the meet-and-greet.
Another commenter proposed a more medical reason, guessing they might be compression gloves, often used to relieve pain and stiffness from conditions like arthritis.
Compression gloves, also known as arthritis gloves, are commonly worn by those with rheumatoid or osteoarthritis.
They can help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and provide comfort for aching hands.
While no official explanation has been offered, this isn’t the first time Camilla has attracted attention for her gloves.
Back in 2020, Camilla was spotted wearing similarly thick gloves throughout an entire public event, never removing them, even while shaking hands with attendees.
At the time, observers speculated that she was trying to protect herself from COVID-19, even though no one else at the event wore gloves. A witness told New Idea magazine, “Camilla kept those gloves on the whole time. It looked strange, especially since no one else had any on.”
The source added that there was talk of her being especially concerned about hygiene and the risk of infection.
Still, the gloves may be simply a matter of personal preference. Perhaps Camilla feels more comfortable with her hands covered, or simply enjoys the fashion statement.
With no confirmation from the Palace, her glove-wearing remains a small but curious royal mystery — one that fans continue to ponder every time she steps out in public with her hands concealed.
