Camilla, seen here on a trek around the Balmoral estate, has broken her leg hill walking in ScotlandThe Duchess of Cornwall has broken her leg while hillwalking and will be in plaster for six weeks.
Camilla was enjoying a stroll in the Scottish Highlands around Birkhall, Prince Charles's country residence, in 'slippery' conditions when she caught her foot in a rabbit hole and fell awkwardly.
Although the fracture is not thought to be serious, it does raise concerns that Duchess, 62, may have developed osteoporosis.
She was helped back on to her feet by her protection officer and passers-by on Wednesday, Clarence House said last night.
She limped back to her car before being driven home to rest, believing it was nothing more than a sprain.
Overnight, however, the pain became worse and yesterday a doctor advised her to have an x-ray.
It is understood she was taken to nearby Aboyne cottage hospital late yesterday morning.
Further examination showed she had a twisted fracture of the fibula, close to her ankle in her left leg. The fibula is the thin bone at the outer side of the lower leg.
When it fractures it is often because of a blow to the side of the leg or an extreme sideways bend at the ankle or knee, possibly caused by the foot twisting under the body.
Doctors put on a plaster cast and have advised her not to put any weight on it for the next six weeks.
The Duchess has been staying at Birkhall, Prince Charles' private home on the Queen's Balmoral estateHowever Camilla, who has only just got over a niggling trapped nerve in her back, has vowed not to cancel official engagements scheduled for the end of the month.
She is being looked after by staff and her husband, with whom she celebrates her fifth wedding anniversary today.
Charles was at Birkhall for his annual Easter break when the accident happened.
The prince plans to spend the weekend with his recuperating wife, although he briefly flew down to London yesterday on official business.
Aides said the Duchess was 'typically chirpy' about the incident.
'Her attitude is that worse things happen and while it is a bit of a pain, life goes on and it's business as usual,' said one.
'Given what has happened she is remarkably cheerful and doesn't want to make a fuss.'
Prince Charles accompanied Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned to the opening of the Quranic Garden Exhibition at Kew Gardens todayThe Duchess is president of the National Osteoporosis Society and has campaigned hard to raise both awareness of the fragile bone disease and measures to prevent it.
These include gentle load-bearing exercise, such as walking or light weights.
Professor David Reid, chairman of the NOS Board of Trustees and a world expert in osteoporosis at Aberdeen University, said the Duchess had suffered a 'classic break' after a twist to the lower leg.
'It could be the result of osteoporosis but it depends on the nature of the injury,' he added.
'Even a man can break a bone in this way when it is put under sufficient stress and it is standard practice to have an x-ray and tests. It should heal well.' Camilla appears to keep relatively fit. She is a keen walker and rides regularly.
She also takes part in weekly pilates classes as part of an exercise routine which has helped her retain an enviably trim figure for a woman approaching 63.
She did smoke for many years, however, and does enjoy a regular glass of red wine
source: dailymail
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