Camilla breaks leg while hillwalking in Scotland

The Duchess of Cornwall has broken her left leg while hillwalking in Scotland, Clarence House said yesterday.

Duchess Camilla suffered a twisted fracture of her left fibula when she slipped while outdoors yesterday but the break was only confirmed by an x-ray today.

A Clarence House spokesman said that although doctors have advised her not to put any weight on her leg she intends to carry out all her official engagements, which are scheduled for the end of the month.

Duchess Camilla has been staying at Birkhall, the Prince of Wales's private home on the Queen's Balmoral estate.

Clarence House said in a statement: "Yesterday (Wednesday) while hill walking in slippery conditions in Scotland, the Duchess of Cornwall took a tumble and hurt her leg.

"Today (Thursday), following doctor's advice, her royal highness had an x-ray which showed a twisted fracture of the fibula.

"Consequently her royal highness is wearing a plaster cast and will be for six weeks.

"She has been advised not to put weight on her leg. Her royal highness has every intention of carrying out all planned engagements."

Clarence House would not disclose at which hospital Camilla was treated or the exact location of the accident.

A Clarence House spokesman later described how the Duchess of Cornwall was coping with the situation, saying: "The Duchess is cheerful and it's a case of 'Life goes on - it could be worse'.