Queen Camilla beats the heat at Wimbledon and abandons royal tradition - her 'comfortable' cooling device can make a 'huge difference'
The Royal Family reach for folding fans, parasols and sunglasses in warm weather but she chose a modern handheld option instead
You know the heatwave has hit hard when the Royal Family are breaking their own traditions to find new ways to keep cool. There are plenty of cooling mistakes we're probably all making at home but Queen Camilla faced the sunshine on Centre Court at Wimbledon on 8th July when she made her first tennis trip of the 2026 tournament.
The royals are all about timelessness, though it wasn't long before she abandoned her trusty folding fan for something surprisingly modern. During the match Her Majesty was pictured using a mini Amazon white handheld fan and as far as I can remember, this is the first time a royal has ever been spotted with one.
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The Bush white handheld fan is very easy to use and has a single push button control and three speed settings. It features a folding handle and an adjustable tilt so it can sit neatly on different surfaces.
Featuring an LED battery indicator, Queen Camilla's handheld fan is portable and has five different speeds. It works for up to sixteen hours after charging and comes in various different colours. Pack in your bag so you can keep cool wherever you are.
This handheld fan is perfect for when you're travelling or out and about. It's still available in black and in khaki green and is designed with a flexible hinge. It's a USB fan so you charge it by plugging it in via the port on the side.
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This fan is a premium option that our Homes Ecommerce Editor Laura Honey loves. It has a misting function and cold plate to touch against pressure points and she finds it very quick and effective too. Clearly many others agree as the Shark ChillPill is almost sold out everywhere, aside from this carbon colour.
This ultra-light clip-on fan delivers hands-free cooling and is perfect for when you're on the go. It's affordable and has up to six hours of battery life. The design is compact and you can get it in several different colours.
This design comes in so many different colours if you want your fan to make a bold statement, though the ivory one is one of the most minimal options. It's easily foldable and has a vintage feel to it, with a matching fringed tassel detail.
Zara Tindall and her sister-in-law Harriet Phillips - who were both there that same day - stuck to using Wimbledon branded concertina fans. When the Princess of Wales has needed to create a cooling breeze at the tennis, she's always used this classic style too.
But it seems that Queen Camilla isn't afraid to try something new if it's going to help her battle the UK's soaring temperatures. Seeing the royals using such a trendy, contemporary piece of tech is a bit of a surprise, though woman&home's Homes Ecommerce Editor Laura Honey thinks that handheld fans are more "comfortable".
"Traditional folding fans are a really elegant accessory and they certainly have their place, but they rely on you creating the airflow yourself, which can become tiring when you're using one for long periods," she says.
She adds, "There's also the practical consideration of where you're using it. At an event like a tennis match, for example, constant movement could be distracting. A handheld electric fan gives you a steady breeze at the touch of a button, making it a much more comfortable option for long days out in the heat."
It looks like the Queen was using an affordable TECKNET design but there are so many handheld fans on Amazon, John Lewis and other retailers that we're all spoilt for choice. As Laura mentioned, they aren't as stylish as a concertina fan, but they're low-effort and effective.
She thinks they're "one of the simplest and handiest ways to make hot weather feel much more manageable" as they give a "constant stream of air across your skin".
"This can help your body cool itself more effectively by encouraging sweat to evaporate and moving warm air away from the surface of your skin," Laura continues. "When you're travelling, commuting, or spending time outdoors, having a portable fan that delivers a direct, steady breeze exactly where you need it can make a huge difference."
Her favourite is the premium Shark ChillPill but the Argos handheld fan is "fantastic value" and does what you need it to. For a slightly more chic look, go for a neutral tone like Queen Camilla did and it will be more subtle against your outfit.
Since she's not been seen with a handheld fan before I'll be interested to see if she uses it publicly again. The day after her Wimbledon trip Her Majesty carried a white parasol for a visit to London Zoo which is much more expected for her, though the heatwave isn't over yet.
