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Queen Camilla has pulled out of attending the memorial of the Duchess of Kent with "sincere apologies", as Buckingham Palace announcing she is recovering from acute sinusitis.

But the royal office indicates the monarch, despite this painful inflammation of the sinuses, is scheduled to attend the state visit of the US President, set to arrive in the royal town on midweek.

King Charles and additional high-ranking royals will be arriving later at the funeral of Katharine at the historic cathedral.

It is the first Catholic funeral for a figure of the royal household in modern times – and a message from Pope Leo will be presented during the ceremony.

The Queen's health problem was revealed by the palace prior to the funeral, which will take place on Tuesday.

"Sadly, Queen Camilla has withdrawn from participation at this day's funeral service for the Duchess of Kent as she is managing acute sinusitis. She sends her condolences will be with the Duke and all the family," stated the statement.

The coffin of the duchess was brought to the cathedral on Monday, draped in the royal standard and with floral arrangements among the tributes, in memory of the duchess' Yorkshire roots.

The royal figure was the oldest member of the Royal Family when she died earlier this month at the years of 92. She was married to the close relative of the late the former monarch.

There have been many memories of her kindness and her commitment to charities.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who will officiate the ceremony, has recalled how the royal often volunteered at the Passage charity for the those in need, which is located next door to the church.

Reflecting before the funeral, he described her as a "approachable person" who had helped in the kitchen and with maintenance at the organization.

"In addition to balancing official responsibilities, she was deeply involved in community service," he told.

This is a significant occasion in terms of being a royal Catholic funeral, but the Cardinal said it should be seen primarily as a "private memorial where the members of the household come together."

"A beloved elder has died. A lady who was deeply cherished within that family and also, as we've seen, by a wide section of the community," added Cardinal Nichols.

The late royal had a profound love of the arts and had served as a elementary music teacher, using the name a common surname, with the pupils not knowing anything about her royal life.

Musical selections at the funeral will feature a classical piece by Mozart, which was chosen by the duchess as her favourite piece when she was a guest on the BBC's radio program in the year 1990.

A piper will play the lament Sleep, Dearie, Sleep, which was played at the funeral of the late Queen, which was in the recent past this time.

There will also be performances by JS Bach and from the funeral mass by France’s composer Durufle.

The royal will also be remembered as a familiar presence at the tennis championships, where she handed over trophies – and comforted those who had been defeated, including a emotional Jana Novotna in that year.

After the service at Westminster Cathedral, the remains will be transferred to the cemetery in Frogmore, on the royal grounds.