Summer dresses have been a failsafe during the heatwave but now it's slightly cooler so we want a bit more coverage. I can't face going back to my jeans right now so flowy trousers have become my staple. Then Queen Camilla arrived (in a Dr Who Tardis no less) at the opening of the Commonwealth Games and reminded us how chic jumpsuits are.

Wide-leg designs like her Anna Valentine jumpsuit are a breezy choice for warm weather as they skim your frame and don't cling or restrict your movement. The draped silhouette is also very leg-elongating and the Queen's jumpsuit had a fitted bodice to balance out the flowiness.

Long sleeves added coverage and the zipped neckline could be adjusted to be as open or as modest as she liked. The details were all timeless but the blue tone made a real statement and Camilla and the other royals often go for this combination.

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It makes vibrant colours easier to style if you're not also having to consider bold shapes or patterns at the same time. Her Majesty loves blue and this oceanic shade was striking and complemented the contemporary, powerful jumpsuit.

Like dresses, the beauty of a jumpsuit is that it's a whole outfit in one. This makes them a great, fuss-free alternative to trousers and they naturally feel more elevated. Camilla kept the rest of her outfit simple for the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony and wore matching court heels and her usual jewellery favourites, including her blue agate Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet.

The last time we saw Her Majesty wearing this jumpsuit at a reception for the inaugural Queen's Reading Room Literary Festival in 2023 she carried a navy blue bag. On this occasion she chose a blue and white floral clutch from the Launer London x Sanderson collaboration.

The print added some extra detail into her ensemble and was a lovely contrast against the jumpsuit. If your jumpsuit is patterned, I'd advise doing the opposite and picking out some plain accessories to keep everything in harmony.

The material will also make a huge difference when it comes to styling too. Linen, cotton, jersey and other casual fabrics will mean a more relaxed-looking jumpsuit, whereas crepe or satin ones are perfect for special occasions.

Even then, you can make them slightly more low-key by wearing a crossbody bag and flat, comfortable sandals instead of heels. Wide-leg jumpsuits often cover a lot of your footwear anyway so you can get away with white trainers underneath for pure ease. Queen Camilla's heels could only just be seen as she and King Charles left the Tardis and walked across the stage at Glasgow's Hydro Arena.

The King is the Head of the Commonwealth, so it makes sense that he and the Queen would want to be there for the ceremony. Charles officially opened the Games and on social media the couple wished the athletes good luck and thanked them for "such a joyful start" to the event.

When Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Sussex family had spent time at Highgrove House with the King on 10th July they included an important detail - Queen Camilla was there. Her relationship with her younger stepson hasn't always been smooth-sailing and some people might've been surprised that she was at the reunion.

According to royal author Catherine Mayer the Queen had to be there, because she's a "non-negotiable part of Charles' life". Opening up to People, she claimed if Harry wants to heal his relationship with his dad, Camilla is key as "there is no reconciliation with him without her."

We don't know if Queen Camilla was at any of the Duke of Sussex's face-to-face meetings with the King in the past few years. Statements released afterwards have only ever mentioned Charles and Harry, but it seems she's going to be included now.

This Highgrove meeting was particularly important as it was the first time Archie and Lilibet have been to the UK or seen their grandfather in person since 2022. Having Queen Camilla be part of this special family moment sends a powerful message, particularly to Harry.

In his memoir, Spare, he explained that he had "complex feelings" about gaining her as a stepparent in 2005, as he "thought [she] had recently sacrificed [him] on her personal PR altar." In an interview to promote the book he also went into this, describing the Queen as "dangerous" because of the "need for her to rehabilitate her image".

The Prince even claimed in his memoir that he and Prince William asked King Charles not to marry Camilla, writing, "'We support you,' we said, 'We endorse Camilla,' we said. 'Just please don't marry her, just be together, Pa.'"

"He didn't answer. But she answered. Straight away. Shortly after our private summits with her, she began to play the long game. A campaign aimed at marriage, and eventually the Crown, with Pa's blessing we presumed," Harry added.

Earlier this year King Charles and Queen Camilla celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary and Woman's Royal Editor Emily Andrews has revealed that the Queen was shocked by her stepson's Spare comments, as their relationship had been better.

"Harry and Camilla's relationship had always been slightly uneasy but by the time of his wedding to Meghan it had much improved," Emily wrote. "So she was staggered when Harry hurled so many hurtful barbs her way - which also angered the King."

A friend also claimed to Emily, "The Queen has always appreciated how hard it has been for William and Harry after the death of their mother. She never sought to take her place, and has always tried to remain sensitive."

They added that she "kept her counsel, despite the many slings and arrows of public acrimony" to protect the monarchy's reputation. Queen Camilla apparently found "Meghan and Harry's public rejection and criticism, which caused so much damage, unforgivable".

Despite this, she was there at Highgrove. Could this signal that a reconciliation really is a priority right now? Queen Camilla's presence would've meant a lot to King Charles and it's not just the monarch whose bond with Harry will need to be healed if they're going to move forwards.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has visited one of the UK's most exclusive locations after taking on a new role with a show that once gave Queen Camilla "withdrawal symptoms". The county of Borsetshire isn't real, but it holds a special place in thousands of people's hearts as it's the wider setting for the world's longest-running continuous drama, The Archers.

Duchess Sophie travelled to Birmingham to record her cameo appearance on the radio show and fans were given a glimpse of her in rehearsal with the cast on 9th July. The episode is centred on the Borchester Show in Borsetshire's county town and Sophie plays herself, in her role as honorary president of Linking Environment and Farming.

Her debut on The Archers is part of the drama's 75th anniversary year celebrations and since it first started in 1951, the show has amassed a cult following. Queen Camilla is one of its super fans and has openly described herself as an "Archers addict".

At a reception at Clarence House to mark The Archers' 70th anniversary she gave a speech and admitted that she's "known to become quite ratty if disturbed between 7pm and 7:15pm" when it airs. Recordings had been disrupted during lockdown and Her Majesty added that she'd "had severe withdrawal symptoms when [the radio drama] all but disappeared".

Queen Camilla sees The Archers as her "faithful companion" for a lot of her life and she's also had a cameo appearance. This episode aired in 2011 and she played herself, in her role as President of the National Osteoporosis Society.

Part of the reason why she - and so many other fans - love the BBC Radio 4 drama is the way it raises awareness of real life issues and of "others' hidden struggles". Although the Queen has already appeared on The Archers herself, perhaps she'll feel a pang of jealousy hearing Duchess Sophie on her favourite show.

It could make Camilla dream of making another cameo, which I can imagine the show's creators would be more than happy for her to do. The rural setting fits in perfectly with the Royal Family's love of the outdoors and Sophie is a long-time fan of the programme and a big supporter of countryside shows.

The Duchess of Edinburgh co-designed the Plants With Purpose Garden for the Royal Windsor Flower Show this year and in an interview with Alan Titchmarsh she spoke about her love for the shows across the UK.

"We're lucky to have these wonderful little shows in villages and towns around our country, and I remember, when I was growing up, taking my boxes of flowers and actually very terrible floral displays for the competitions," she explained in the piece shared with The Telegraph.

Sophie added, "It was the atmosphere. It was a time when we as children were just let off the leash, and walking into that flower show just took me straight back to my childhood."

Now she's been officially welcomed to the fictional Borchester Show too and according to a teaser shared by The Archers beforehand, she definitely "makes [her] mark".

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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Zara Tindall and her sister-in-law Harriet Phillips - who were both there that same day - stuck to using Wimbledon-branded concertina fans, which are currently out of stock at The Wimbledon Shop. 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.

Prince Harry is desperate for a royal reunion, I understand. Sources tell me he would love nothing better than an invitation from his father, so Charles can see his Sussex grandchildren for the first time in four years.

This July would prove the perfect opportunity as Harry, possibly with Meghan, Archie, seven, and Lili, five, is visiting the UK for the ‘one year to go’ until the Invictus Games in Birmingham.

But there’s one problem: Queen Camilla. It’s thought that she has never really forgiven Harry, 41, for effectively throwing her under the bus in his autobiography Spare and in the TV interviews he gave to publicise it.

Harry described Camilla as ‘the villain’ and the ‘third person’ in his parents’ marriage. He accused her of being ‘dangerous’ and of launching a campaign at his expense to rehabilitate her image in the British tabloids, after Princess Diana appeared to expose her affair with the then Prince Charles.

Harry revealed that he and Prince William pleaded with their father not to marry Camilla, fearing it would cause ‘more harm than good’.

He described, in excruciating detail, the horror he felt in seeing ‘the other woman’ on his own, likening their initial meeting to having an ‘injection’ and writing, ‘Close your eyes, over before you know it.’

Moreover, he accused Camilla of leaking stories about him to the press to smooth her path to becoming queen consort. He claimed she ‘sacrificed me on her personal PR altar’ and ‘left bodies in the street’ by trading stories to secure positive headlines. Ouch! No wonder she doesn’t want to see him.

Indeed, I’m told Camilla joked ‘over my dead body’ to inviting Harry and Meghan to stay with her and the King at Sandringham or Balmoral. It may be a joke (and we now know the King has offered an olive branch in the form of a royal residence for them to stay in) but the sentiment is thought to be real!

Camilla may not, understandably, be keen. If she was to push back, which she won’t because she wants harmony for her husband, it would be yet another new fall-out that no one needs.

When Harry flew to London in February 2024, after the King announced that he was being treated for cancer, I gather he hoped to accompany his father to Sandringham, but it was made very clear that the King and Queen were taking the helicopter to Norfolk without him.

Of course, Charles could decide to see Harry (and Meghan plus the kids if they come) on his own. After Harry and Meghan’s wedding in 2018, they both stayed with Charles at the Castle of Mey (Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother’s favourite home in the far north of Scotland), where Harry later wrote that, in hope of conceiving their first child, he sang to the Scottish mermaids, in the form of seals, on the Caithness coast. (I’m not joking - he did actually write that and, thinking it was a ‘good omen’, he jumped in the sea to swim with them!)

I understand that Camilla, by that point, had tried to befriend Meghan but had been rebuffed (like Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh) so she chose to stay in Gloucestershire.

Harry and Camilla’s relationship had always been slightly uneasy but by the time of his wedding to Meghan it had much improved. So she was staggered when Harry hurled so many hurtful barbs her way - which also angered the King.

A friend told me, ‘The Queen has always appreciated how hard it has been for William and Harry after the death of their mother. She never sought to take her place, and has always tried to remain sensitive. But she has kept her counsel, despite the many slings and arrows of public acrimony, to protect the monarchy. So she found Meghan and Harry’s public rejection and criticism, which caused so much damage, unforgivable.’

I am told Harry is now particularly keen for his children to spend time with King Charles during his July visit. Since Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties and relocated to California in spring 2020, the monarch has had only limited opportunities to see his Sussex grandchildren.

Charles has met Lilibet only once, during the Sussexes’ visit to the UK for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. That same trip also marked the last time that he saw Archie, who was then three years old.

Having the King meet the children would not only allow them to spend time with their grandfather but could also serve as a strategic move for Harry, who has previously raised concerns about not receiving the level of security he feels is necessary.

But the Queen is very protective of her husband and does not want to see him hurt – or used. So despite the reports that Harry and his family have been offered a private residence by the King, I highly doubt Camilla will be anywhere near.

This feature first appeared in Woman magazine. Subscribe now and get your first 6 issues for £1.

If we ever needed more evidence that the Royal Family's approach has changed since Queen Elizabeth's reign, it was given to us on Day 1 of this year's Royal Ascot. King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived first in the horse-drawn carriage procession like usual and their interactions with the crowds in the parade ring were particularly interesting.

In a moment shared by a blogger and royal enthusiast, as per Hello!, King Charles apparently asked the people around him, "Have you been there for hours?" They admitted they had and after another person declared, "We have plenty of wine, though" Queen Camilla interjected, "That's the answer!"

The crowds seemed to appreciate Camilla's comment and chuckled. Although Queen Elizabeth was famous for her quips, it's hard to imagine her making a joke about copious alcohol to so many people. Ascot is a fun day out and the royals often enjoy a drink like everyone else (Carole Middleton was pictured being poured a glass of wine on Day 2).

Red wine is one of Queen Camilla's favourite alcoholic beverages and she once told her son Tom Parker Bowles it would feature on her "last supper" menu. In an interview for You magazine she said her last dessert would be bitter chocolate ice cream with strawberries, raspberries and clotted cream - "along with a really good glass of red claret. And, seeing it's my last supper, probably two".

Whilst she might enjoy the occasional glass of wine and isn't afraid to joke with Ascot attendees about them over-indulging in it, this isn't something the Queen does.

Tom said on the White Wine Question Time podcast last year that "contrary to the popular sort of stereotype" he's "never in [his] whole life seen [Queen Camilla] even tipsy". However, Queen Camilla's response at Ascot suggests that she's relaxed about what other people do and it showed she isn't afraid to banter with the public.

In the 2022 ITV documentary, Camilla's Country Life, her friend Sarah Troughton said that the Queen has a "wicked sense of humour" and tells "very risqué" jokes.

Occasions when we get to see glimpses of the royals' being funny or down-to-earth are always great and behind-the-scenes we'd probably be amazed at what they're like in private with each other.

In the Prince and Princess of Wales's engagement interview in 2010 we learnt that Kate also has a "naughty" sense of humour and this helped draw them together.

Prince William explained, "She's got a really naughty sense of humor which kind of helps me because I've got a very dirty sense of humor. So it was good fun, we had a really good laugh. And then things happened."

The Royal Family might be a picture of poise and elegance most of the time at public events but they seemingly love to laugh and - like Queen Camilla at Ascot - cheekily defy expectations when they chat to fans.

Afternoon tea used to be a British institution and it still is for the Royal Family, though theirs is slightly more spectacular than most. We're talking moreish cakes and scones served on silver cake stands rather than a quick cuppa and a biscuit.

However, a traditional afternoon tea wouldn't be the same without a savoury selection too and Queen Camilla's essential tea snack is sandwiches. Royal sandwiches have a specific requirement and we saw it upheld at a recent tea party hosted by Her Majesty.

Speaking on the Channel 5 documentary, Secrets of the Royal Kitchen, former royal chef Graham Newbould previously claimed, "The royals never have square sandwiches because tradition has it that anyone presenting them with pointed-edged food is trying to overthrow the throne of England."

Nowadays it's probably more to do with tradition than genuine belief in this theory, but we can see for ourselves that royal sandwiches aren't pointy. Queen Camilla recently held a very special tea party at Clarence House for children supported by the fantastic charity, Dreams and Wishes.

They are dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families build precious memories and the Queen pulled out all the stops for their magical royal tea party. The children arrived by horse-drawn carriage and sat down to eat sandwiches and cakes with Camilla.

The Queen's Equerry, Major Treasure, also set them on a treasure hunt which led to chocolate coins which were hidden under the Grenadier Guards' hats. So much thought went into this wonderful event and we got to see glimpses of the day in a video shared on Instagram.

In both this and pictures taken at the tea party, you can also clearly see that the sandwiches had the corners rounded off so they weren't strictly square or pointed. As well as potentially avoiding the overthrowing of King Charles's reign, this shape also looks so refined and who doesn't love a crustless sandwich too?

We don't know what fillings were chosen for Queen Camilla's tea party, though the royals have some well-known preferences in general. The late Queen Elizabeth loved jam pennies - sandwiches cut into circles - and according to another former royal chef Darren McGrady, they "usually" featured strawberry jam.

Cucumber sandwiches are another popular choice and, as per The Mirror, presenter Jenny Hanley previously said on Boom Radio that there was mint in her sandwich at a royal Garden Party.

"The most wonderful thing that happened at one of the Buckingham Palace garden parties that I was lucky enough to go to was not the fact of the scones but the cucumber sandwiches," she reportedly declared. "[W]hen you've had a cucumber sandwich out on the grass at the back of Buckingham Palace and the sun is shining and there's mint in it, then you know you've made it!"

For the recent tea party, Queen Camilla probably thought about what the children would like best. Dreams and Wishes was established in 2011 and is run entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers. Posting afterwards they said that the occasion was an "incredibly proud day" for everyone and an "experience [they] will never forget".

With summer almost here it's a great opportunity to have a little seasonal style refresh and sunshine often has us reaching for bright colours and flowy silhouettes. The more fun or bold our outfits, the more it helps to have jewellery staples that go with everything and the Princess of Wales and her fellow royals have a favourite style.

She, Princess Anne and Queen Camilla all love pearl jewellery and specifically white pearls which are arguably the most versatile. The neutral colour means they go with everything and although pearls aren't a jewellery trend for 2026 I think that's partly why the royals wear them so much.

Kate, Anne and Camilla all have very classic styles, although they each put their own twist on things. Pearls are timeless and they're a lot more understated than diamonds.

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The sheen of a pearl adds glamour but not sparkle, which makes them a perfect choice for everyday. They complement casual jeans and blazer outfits as well as formalwear and you can go as subtle or statement as you like with the designs.

The Princess of Wales mostly wears more delicate items like her Monica Vinader Nura necklace with a single pearl drop on a golden chain. She also has several pairs of pearl drop earrings and when Kate wants to go bolder she reaches for the late Queen Elizabeth's Bahrain earrings or three strand necklace.

These only tend to get brought out for formal occasions like church services, receptions or Garden Parties like the one she attended earlier in May. But if you want jewellery that's instantly striking, then perhaps it's worth looking to Princess Anne or Queen Camilla for inspiration.

Both women either opt for very simple pearl drop earrings or they go all-out with chunky necklaces. The Princess Royal wore one of these chokers when she hosted the Not Forgotten Association Garden Party on 19th May and Her Majesty wore her four strand choker with the diamond clasp to events to mark Queen Elizabeth's centenary.

This is one of Camilla's most-worn pieces and if you're styling something this eye-catching, I'd recommend taking her approach and making the rest of your outfit minimal. Of course, most of the pearls worn by these senior royals are likely a very luxurious price-point, but that doesn't have to be the case if you're tempted to add some new pieces to your collection.

Pearl jewellery can be picked up very affordably and faux pearls can actually look very convincing too - sometimes more so than crystal alternatives for precious stones. Studs and dainty necklace are lovely for day-to-day, and drop earrings or multi-pearl necklaces would jazz up a date night outfit or summer wedding guest dress.

For a cohesive look, you can wear multiple pearl items together just like the Princess of Wales, Princess Anne and Queen Camilla often do with their earrings and necklaces.

Queen Camilla’s pinky ring has been the focus of a lot of speculation and sleuthing since she started wearing it last year and now it’s back. She wore it for a reception she hosted at Clarence House for the charity, Medical Detection Dogs, on 12th May.

This piece is shrouded in mystery because there’s so little we know about its history and Her Majesty only started wearing it very recently. Queen Camilla’s ring looks to be this one featured on the Royal Collection Trust’s website and if it is, then it’s engraved with ancient symbols and is made up of seven gold circular plaques.

She doesn’t have it on constantly and it’s actually quite subtle - especially as it's worn next to her 5-carat diamond engagement ring. The different symbols are almost impossible to make out when the Queen is out and about, though on the RCT picture you can see a lyre and a ship.

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It’s been suggested that the ring could potentially be traced back to Prince Philip’s family who were Greek royalty. We’ll never know unless Queen Camilla addresses her ring’s provenance at some point but it’s stunning and a little different.

Pinky rings aren’t something Queen Elizabeth ever wore and it adds a contemporary edge to Her Majesty’s very timeless outfits. As it’s plain gold, it’s not too "blingy" to wear during the day or next to such a bold engagement ring.

I also love how it’s a feminine, delicate echo of King Charles’s beloved pinky ring. The monarch wore a signet ring with the Prince of Wales crest engraved on it for decades and now he’s King, it appears as though he’s switched it out for another one. Prince Philip used to wear one too and he inherited this from his father, Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark.

Queen Camilla and King Charles’s rings mirror each other in a way, and both could be honouring this royal tradition of wearing a pinky ring. The Queen wore quite minimal jewellery at the reception, where she met supporters of Medical Detection Dogs and some adorable canines.

Her outfit was by one of the best British brands, Boden, and the £119 frock is now almost sold out in the blossom red colour, though the navy polka dot version is on sale. Shirt dresses are a staple for Camilla and their collared necklines bring a sense of sophistication and smartness, no matter what the material is.

You can choose a jersey dress like hers and be comfortable whilst looking polished. The red floral print added brightness on this spring day and tied in with her ruby and gold birthstone necklace.

She finished off her look with beige low heels by Eliot Zed and the combination was so elegant and low-key for a reception that was held at her home and involved lots of cute and clever animals. Bio Detection Dogs are trained to detect diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s, Covid-19 and malaria, as well as bacterial infections.

The Queen got to see a couple of dogs at work and also watched a demonstration of the charity’s new electronic nose. It’s a collaboration between them and Dr Andreas Mershin from RealNose.AI and is an early prostate cancer screening tool and has been inspired and informed by MDD Bio Detection Dogs.

Anyone expecting to see Queen Camilla in one of the Royal Family's magnificent tiaras at the US State Banquet was in for a surprise. Instead of donning a jewel-encrusted headpiece she went for a necklace that was - if anything - even more eyecatching.

Studded with amethysts and diamonds, this was the first thing you noticed about Her Majesty's outfit that night and it certainly won't be to everyone's taste. Even so, you can't help but admire the story-telling that was going on here as Queen Camilla's demi-parure (a partial matching jewellery set) directly links back to Queen Elizabeth's State Visit to America in 1991.

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This was the last visit of a British monarch prior to Their Majesties' trip and the late Queen wore the brooch from the same set. As with every royal banquet look, this won't be a coincidence. Even before they flew stateside, there's been so much talk about how this visit is the first since Elizabeth's and King Charles acknowledged this in his address to Congress too.

Queen Camilla will have thought a lot about what she would wear to the White House State Banquet and given she's not been seen in the amethyst set before, it's no doubt to make that connection to her mother-in-law.

The purple gems also coordinated with her fuchsia pink Fiona Clare gown and this could also have been her own twist on Queen Elizabeth's 1991 style. Back then the Queen wore the brooch pinned on a purple jacket with a matching skirt and although Camilla's dress doesn't exactly match, it's in the wider colour palette.

She is putting her own twist on things while still paying tribute to the past and if this doesn't sum up the Royal Family's approach to style I don't know what does! With a necklace that bold a tiara would've taken her look from regal to eye-wateringly opulent, so it makes sense that Queen Camilla didn't choose a headpiece.

It's tradition for the royal women to wear tiaras when they're *hosting* State Banquets on UK soil. However, we've often seen them go without when they're the ones being hosted abroad, particularly if the nation doesn't have a monarch or consort who'll be wearing their own. Queen Elizabeth did wear a sapphire tiara in 1991, though.

The previous day when they first arrived in the US, Her Majesty also nodded to Queen Elizabeth with some luxurious jewellery. This time she sent a message in the form of a brooch which combined the British and American flags.

It was given to Queen Elizabeth by the Mayor of New York when she visited in 1957 and some reports have estimated the value to be several million dollars. The State Visit is four days long and the banquet was the only occasion where we'd expect something like the amethyst set to be worn, but there are more opportunities to see some other, subtler pieces like the flag brooch.

If we're looking back at the jewellery Queen Elizabeth wore during her 1991 trip, she favoured a three strand pearl necklace. Queen Camilla has several pearl necklaces she loves, including a four strand one with a circular diamond clasp. Who knows if she could have packed this in her jewellery box for the US State Visit?

Royal trips always attract a level of attention but perhaps none in quite the same way as King Charles and Queen Camilla's US State Visit. Buckingham Palace has confirmed this will still go ahead, two days after gunshots were fired at a dinner attended by President Donald Trump.

A statement explained that the decision was made "following discussions on both sides of the Atlantic" and on the government's advice. It's understood that minor operational adjustments have been made to some of the couple's engagements and scrutiny is sure to be immense.

In light of this, I can't help feeling that Queen Camilla's candid confession from years ago becomes even more moving. According to royal expert Rebecca English, the Queen said that facing a frenzy of reporters and photographers is "terrifying".

Opening up on the Palace Confidential podcast, Rebecca recalled a time she had to leave a tour early because her bathroom was being renovated. Queen Camilla, then-Duchess of Cornwall, heard about her departure and expressed how "sad" she was to say goodbye to a familiar face.

"And she said, and I remember it so distinctly, she said, 'Oh I'm really sad because I don't think anyone realises how terrifying it is getting out of a car and there's this huge sea of people, and cameras, and the flashes are going off, and it's really helpful to me to see a few friendly faces I recognise that I can look at and focus on'," Rebecca claimed, as per Express.

The expert reflected, "I thought, 'God, this hasn't been easy for you'. I know things didn't start in ideal circumstances and people will have an opinion on that, but one of the things her friends have always said to me is that she never wanted this."

In the years since Her Majesty made her confession she might have become more used to the "huge sea of people" everywhere she goes. Even so, it could still be daunting for her and the US State Visit will attract a lot of press attention and is a high-pressure situation to negotiate.

Just days before the King and Queen boarded their flight, President Trump told the BBC in a phone interview that the visit could "absolutely" help repair the US and UK’s relationship.

The President continued, "I know [King Charles] well, I've known him for years. He's a brave man, and he's a great man. They would absolutely be a positive."

Sir Christian Turner, the UK’s Ambassador to the US, also said the visit would be about "renewing and revitalising a unique friendship" between the two nations.

Meanwhile, some have argued the State Visit shouldn’t be going ahead given the conflict in the Middle East. There will be significant interest in how things go across the four days and Queen Camilla’s method of focusing on a "few friendly faces" that she recognises is an intriguing one. It’s been widely reported that Prince Philip advised the Princess of Wales not to look at the cameras.

Nevertheless the Princess was spotted smiling and mouthing a greeting to long-time royal photographer Arthur Edwards at the Commonwealth Day service in March. It makes sense that recognising certain people at high-profile events could put the royals more at ease.

Queen Elizabeth had a staggering amount of jewellery that either belonged to her personally or was part of the royal collection, including many magnificent tiaras, necklaces and earrings. Storing these priceless pieces sounds like a bit of a nightmare but the late monarch apparently found an unusual method that worked for her.

On a recent episode of her Catching Up With The Royals podcast, expert and woman&home royal correspondent Emily Andrews responded to a question about where all these items go. Admitting she'd wondered "exactly the same thing" before doing a deep dive into tiaras, she described the set-up that Queen Elizabeth relied on.

"Actually there are these very secure, well what was described to me, anyway, by courtiers at the palace, as wardrobes," she told co-host Reverend Richard Coles.

Emily added, "Often female members were lent pieces of jewellery and tiaras and these then became synonymous with those female members."

She gave the example of Princess Diana frequently wearing the Lover's Knot Tiara which is now closely associated with the Princess of Wales. Kate has stepped out in it around 14 times now and according to the royal expert, once a piece became linked to a particular person, they could be given the honour of a named shelf.

"For instance, the Duchess of Cambridge [now Princess of Wales] had a shelf with her name on it. The Duchess of Cornwall [now Queen Camilla] had a shelf with her name on it," Emily claimed.

The Princess of Wales was the first royal bride of that generation to borrow a tiara for her wedding. In his biography, William & Catherine, Russell Myers claims that it was a "startling gesture" of generosity by Queen Elizabeth and the thought had "not occurred to [Kate] at first".

When she was shown the Cartier Halo Tiara she was said to be "overcome with emotion". There's so much history behind the piece as it was a gift from King George VI to the Queen Mother and they then gave it to the Queen on her 18th birthday.

She'd loaned it to Princess Margaret and Princess Anne and had "given her blessing for Catherine to wear it". According to Myers, "Many believe it to have been a symbolic gesture of not only her fondness for her grandson's bridge but also a recognition of her future status within the family."

As the Princess has only worn it this one time it might not have made her shelf in the wardrobe, but if this is still the storage method for royal jewellery there are at least two more tiaras which probably will be on there. One is the Lover's Knot Tiara and the other is the Lotus Flower Tiara.

In the fifteen years since she married Prince William, Kate has only actually worn five separate tiaras. Queen Camilla also has her favourites, notably the Boucheron Honeycomb Tiara, though she's branched out in the jewellery department recently.

In 2024 and 2025 Her Majesty made her debut wearing the Burmese Ruby Tiara and the emerald-studded Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara respectively, both of which used to belong to Queen Elizabeth personally.

Queen Elizabeth was an extraordinary figure who commanded respect and devotion on the world stage across her 70 year reign. She's viewed with awe by the Royal Family too and Queen Camilla believes she remains unsurpassed in one particular way.

In the BBC’s new documentary, Queen Elizabeth, Her Story, Our Centenary, which airs at 9pm on 19th April, Queen Camilla reflects on her mother-in-law’s sense of duty. In her mind, no-one has rivalled it and she declares, "I think duty has overridden everything. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody have a sense of duty like she had."

Her Majesty makes this remarks early on in the film after discussing how "like everybody else" the royals "tried to do their bit" during the war. She notes that "the war generation was a very special generation" and that Queen Elizabeth played her part.

Two years after the Second World War ended, the Queen delivered an astonishing broadcast on her 21st birthday. Broadcasting from Cape Town where she was with her parents on a tour, Elizabeth publicly promised to dedicate her entire life to serving the Commonwealth.

"I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong," she said.

Despite speculation about a possible abdication at various points in her reign, there was no question in her mind of going back on this promise. Queen Elizabeth’s dedication was steadfast and it’s hardly surprising that Queen Camilla thinks her "sense of duty" is in a league of its own, seemingly even considering the rest of the Royal Family.

The late monarch’s legacy is a lot to live up to and in his first speech after her death, King Charles acknowledged his mother made "sacrifices" in her 70 years on the throne in order to keep her 21st birthday promise.

"That was more than a promise: it was a profound personal commitment which defined her whole life. She made sacrifices for duty," he said, before he made a vow of his own.

"As the Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation," the King continued.

Meanwhile, in her first speech as Queen Consort two months later, Camilla began by paying tribute to her "dear mother-in-law" who is "so greatly missed by us all". She also described Queen Elizabeth’s "enduring love of the Commonwealth".

The release of Queen Elizabeth, Her Story, Our Centenary is, as the name suggests, in honour of what would’ve been the Queen’s 100th birthday on 21st April. It’s a huge milestone and King Charles will address the nation and host a reception at Buckingham Palace with Queen Camilla.

The guest list will include representatives from a selection of Queen Elizabeth’s patronages, including Cancer Research UK and the Army Benevolent Fund. Other special events are planned for her 100th birthday too and it’s likely we’ll see posts on social media from the Royal Family.

Queen Elizabeth II: Her Story, Our Century Sunday 19^th April at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

Reading is one of Queen Camilla’s favourite hobbies but it turns out she's also not opposed to seeing a much-loved book adapted for the small screen. ITV's popular detective drama, Grace, is now in its sixth season and is based on Peter James's best-selling Detective Superintendent Grace series.

Richie Campbell, who plays DS Glenn Branson, spoke to the media ahead of the show's return to ITV and revealed, "Queen Camilla’s a huge fan of the show."

While the image of a figure as refined as the Queen watching something so dark and gritty might be incongruous to some, for those with close knowledge of Her Majesty and the connections between her and the author, Peter James, it’s not surprising at all.

For a start, Queen Camilla has long been a vocal supporter of the original book series, upon which the ITV show is based. Peter James' Grace books follow Detective Superintendent Roy Grace as he solves a slew of complex cases in Brighton and Hove, all while haunted by the disappearance of his own wife.

In 2021, Her Majesty met with the author when they were filming the series, where she reportedly told him, "I love your books. I’ve read them all, cover to cover."

The best-selling author, who has written over 30 novels, previously told the BBC he first found out she was a fan of his work following an interview with the Daily Mirror, where she was photographed with two of his books on display. Peter then immediately wrote to the Queen to thank her - and this is how she not only helped inspire a new novel, but landed herself a minor role!

"She wrote to me and asked when will a novel be set in London", he explained.

The world of royals and palaces was a key element in his latest Grace book, The Hawk is Dead, released in October 2025. James declared, "I was aware that there was chaos in the palace due to renovations, and when I heard art was being moved, I saw an opportunity. I drafted a few lines and sent it to the palace, but the Queen loved it. It got signed off by Buckingham Palace communications."

In the book, DSU Grace travels from East Sussex to London in the royal train, which derails, and Queen Camilla is characterised in the story helping passengers onboard.

Peter also added that after he had written to the Queen about the story, he was given a three-and-a-half-hour tour around Buckingham Palace.

The connections between the two don’t stop there. Peter James’s mother, Cornelia James, is the founder of Cornelia James, which held a Royal Warrant as the glove makers for Queen Elizabeth II from 1979 up until her death in 2022.

Even before being selected "by royal appointment" to create Her Majesty’s gloves, in 1947, when the then-Princess Elizabeth was married to Prince Philip, Cornelia James was asked by royal couturier, Norman Hartnell, to make gloves to accessorise the outfit she would wear when going away on their honeymoon.

Peter James’s sister, Genevieve James Lawson, continues to run Cornelia James today, and the Princess of Wales has often been seen carrying on the tradition of wearing gloves made by the brand.

As head of the Church of England, Queen Elizabeth didn’t attend King Charles and Queen Camilla’s civil wedding ceremony in 2005 but she still found a special way to signal her "approval" for their marriage. The couple tied the knot at Windsor Guildhall on 9th April and had a service of blessing at St George’s Chapel, which she was at.

The Queen hosted a reception afterwards at Windsor Castle and it’s here that she "could be the proud mother" and "showed it by breaking convention" according to royal biographer Robert Hardman. In his new book, Queen Elizabeth II, he reflects that "instead of the usual speech from the father of the bride, guests would hear from the mother of the groom".

"Many of the guests were not expecting it at all. Someone just tapped a glass and there was the Queen talking," he quotes one of the Household involved.

"It was her idea. She’d decided she could not go to the civil wedding but, having navigated all the official problems, this was her informal way of showing approval and marking the occasion."

The source adds that the late monarch "came out with every racing metaphor in the book", including the proclamation that King Charles and Queen Camilla had now "reached the winners’ enclosure". Their wedding date coincided with the Grand National that year and as a horse racing fan, Elizabeth’s turn of phrase gave her speech a personal feel.

This surprising way of giving her son’s second marriage her seal of "approval" sounds so touching and she arguably played a huge role in introducing the idea of ‘Queen’ Camilla to the world and having it accepted by the public.

Before then, she had been set to be known as "Princess Consort" when Charles became King. She also never went by "Princess of Wales", despite being entitled to do so. Both decisions were made out of respect to Diana, Princess of Wales and the public’s enduring devotion to her.

Then, out of the blue, Queen Elizabeth made a decisive move the day before the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne. In a message to the nation she gave her blessing for her daughter-in-law to be known as "Queen Consort" instead of "Princess".

"When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service," she declared.

Queen Elizabeth’s "sincere wish" helped pave the way for the public to accept the change and after being known formally as the Queen Consort for many months, Her Majesty is now simply known as Queen Camilla.

She and King Charles are celebrating their 21st wedding anniversary this year and although the date is now likely tinged with some sadness (it is also the anniversary of Prince Philip’s death), they have so many special memories to reminisce about, not least the wedding itself and that "informal" speech!

King Charles and Queen Camilla are headed across the pond this April following speculation over whether a US State Visit would go ahead. This will be the first trip of its kind by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth’s tour in 2007 and President Donald Trump has described it as a "momentous occasion".

The announcement has already attracted considerable attention and scrutiny, with some calling for it to be postponed amid the Middle East conflict. Global events will of course loom large and provoke plenty of discussions, but I can’t help feeling that the State Visit could be overshadowed by a rather important family moment too.

Charles and Camilla will be in the US from 27th-30th April and the penultimate day of the trip is the Prince and Princess of Wales’s 15th wedding anniversary.

It’s hard to imagine this milestone not dominating royal headlines or going unacknowledged. Prince William and Kate marked their 10th anniversary by releasing a new set of official pictures taken by photographer Chris Floyd. They also shared a special video by Will Warr featuring clips of them, Prince George, Charlotte and Louis spending time on the beach in Norfolk.

We even got to see a brief glimpse of what looked to be their first dog, Lupo, who sadly passed away the November before. This shows exactly how far in advance the royals work with these kinds of posts and since 15 years is even more of a big deal than 10, it would be a shock if William and Kate decided to let their 2026 anniversary pass quietly.

As soon as their posts drop on or around the 29th April, fans will be rushing to see. I can imagine it capturing people’s attention and perhaps inadvertently drawing it away from King Charles and Queen Camilla's engagements in America.

In her controversial Panorama interview, Princess Diana talked about how much media attention she got during her and Charles’s time in Australia, claiming that this came with "a lot of jealousy" and that "complicated situations arose because of that".

Even though they’re a family, hierarchy is important to the royals. The Prince and Princess of Wales are always respectful of this in many ways - for example, we rarely see Kate wearing the same colour as Camilla, which would spark inevitable comparison.

They could potentially try and release any anniversary pictures at a time that minimises any clashes with Their Majesties’ engagements. The time difference and the popularity of the Waleses and their love story might make things tricky though.

If they didn’t release anything at all, that would probably be even more newsworthy too. So, really, there’s no way that the anniversary won’t end up being talked about during the State Visit whatever they do.

The full itinerary for the State Visit hasn’t been released yet and it was the President and not Buckingham Palace who announced the specific dates on social media. He did reveal that the traditional State Banquet will be held on the evening of the 28th, so at least that grand occasion won’t coincide with the Waleses’ wedding anniversary.

The US marks its 250th anniversary of independence this year and we know already that will be a significant focus. Buckingham Palace stated the trip will "celebrate the historic connections and the modern bilateral relationship" between the UK and US.

Looking back at Queen Elizabeth’s 70 year reign there were so many times where her dry sense of humour transformed a small interaction into an iconic moment. One of my personal favourites came in 2021 when she visited The Eden Project and let’s just say I couldn’t help feeling a sense of déjà vu when King Charles and Queen Camilla were there on 24th March.

The couple marked the project’s 25th anniversary and, like with all parties, a celebration wouldn’t be a celebration without a commemorative cake. Cue some pretty dramatic cake-cutting from Their Majesties that was almost a direct parallel of Queen Elizabeth’s years earlier.

The Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall handed his sword to Charles and Camilla and the couple couldn’t contain their giggles as they struggled to slice the cake. Pictures show them working hard to get the blade through the sponge, which was decorated like a street party.

They eventually succeeded and afterwards whilst the crowd applauded, the King jokingly gestured like he was stabbing the cake with the sword. Swords are not conventional cake-cutting implements, though they’re often used ceremonially by the royals for occasions like this.

It’s likely there would’ve been a knife on hand just in case and King Charles and Queen Camilla might not have even been anticipating being handed the sword. Queen Elizabeth on the other hand insisted on using Colonel Edward Bolitho’s sword when she visited The Eden Project.

Watched by Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales, the late Queen excitedly plunged the Lord Lieutenant’s sword into the cake, as an aide said, "There is a knife."

"I know there is!" she responded quickly. "This is more unusual".

Unusual it is - and perhaps not super efficient - but it’s so funny to see King Charles and Queen Camilla essentially recreating Queen Elizabeth’s moment five years on. She was there for The Big Lunch initiative and so were Their Majesties in 2026.

The couple joined a celebratory Big Lunch where they met volunteers and supporters who’ll be sharing food, friendship and helping out ahead of the Big Lunch and Big Help Out weekend from 5th-8th June. They possibly thought back to Queen Elizabeth’s sword moment as they had their own during the visit and this wasn’t the only time a cake sparked a quip from her.

In February 2022 she attended a Platinum Jubilee tea party and was presented with an iced cake with the jubilee logo on it. The Queen was informed that it was "upside down" so that the letters were readable for the press.

"Oh, they can see it!" she exclaimed dryly. "I don’t matter!"

When it came to cutting the cake, the Queen used a large knife and after getting it into the centre and saying, "It fits in beautifully", she remarked, "Somebody else can finish it off, do the rest of it."

It seems there’s never a dull moment with the royals and cake-cutting, and even for them Queen Elizabeth’s Cornwall moment is pretty memorable. Queen Camilla mentioned it in July 2021, joking, “I won’t have your sword!” as she used a knife to cut a gateau for the 10 year anniversary of the Prince's Countryside fund.

Even the smallest outfit details can say an awful lot when it comes to the Royal Family, but it was one of the most obvious ones that caught my attention at the Commonwealth Day service. The Princess of Wales attended in a cobalt blue coat dress by British brand, Catherine Walker, whilst Queen Camilla was striking in scarlet.

These shades were radically different and I don't believe that was a coincidence. Looking back at all the Commonwealth Day services they've attended, there's only been occasion where the Princess and Queen stepped out even close to the same hue.

Matching outfits aren't against royal protocol and it does occasionally happen, but it's a sure-fire way to attract unnecessary direct comparison and could be seen as something of a faux pas. The Princess of Wales's decision to go for something very different ensured that the spotlight remained firmly on Queen Camilla.

The late Queen Elizabeth used to deliberately choose outfits that made her stand out, with the Duchess of Edinburgh explaining, "She needs to stand out for people to be able to say, 'I saw the Queen.""

"Don't forget that when she turns up somewhere, the crowds are two, three, four… ten to fifteen deep, and someone wants to be able to say they saw a bit of the Queen's hat as she went past," Sophie added on the Our Queen at Ninety documentary.

According to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's wife Carrie, Queen Elizabeth also left her a note informing her what she'd be wearing to dinner at Balmoral. This was a clever way of avoiding colour coordination and whilst I don't imagine for a moment that the Princess of Wales receives notes from Queen Camilla, I do think they might at least mention the colour they're thinking of wearing before an event.

The Princess's popularity and the "Kate effect" on fashion means that she is often the focus of headlines, whilst Queen Camilla has had a more complex relationship with the press over the years. Going for an entirely different colour outfit at the Commonwealth Day service meant that Kate wasn't overshadowing Her Majesty, who stood out in her gorgeous red look.

The Princess of Wales is always conscientious with her stepmother-in-law, showing a huge amount of respect to the senior royal. At the 2022 service, body language expert Judi James noted several gestures from the Princess of Wales to the then-Duchess of Cornwall that indicated this.

"Kate touched Camilla's arm with her left hand as an add-on gesture to suggest closeness and affection as they cheek-kissed," she claimed to The Mirror. "She also performed a huge 'act of inconvenience' to show respect, bending her knees to lower herself right down to plant her kiss on Camilla's cheeks."

The Royal Family might be a family, but there is a hierarchy and the Princess of Wales is seemingly very mindful of her place in it. Mostly she even steers clear of wearing the same overall colour as Queen Camilla, never mind the same shade.

In 2015 Her Majesty wore a slate-blue look and Kate was in pastel pink, whilst last year Camilla was in pink and the Princess of Wales wore bright red to the Commonwealth Day service. Look closely and you can often see this same pattern of not-matching ensembles at other events like Garter Day and Trooping the Colour too.

Broadcaster Sara Cox is looking forward to presenting a special World Book Day event from Windsor Castle - and she might be hoping not to repeat a rather embarrassing encounter she once had with Queen Camilla. Sara is fronting a major literary event on 5th March that will include a tour of the Royal Library.

This is said to include more than 45,000 rare books and manuscripts, including annotated Shakespeare folios. With Sara visiting the royal residence and given that we already know that literacy is a cause close to Queen Camilla’s heart, it’s no surprise Sara was asked about any previous encounters with Her Majesty.

The story she shared was even funnier than we could have hoped for, and offers a glimpse into how Queen Camilla is behind closed doors - including how much of a "laugh" she can be.

Sara recounted a story from 2021 when Queen Camilla was still the Duchess of Cornwall. She made an embarrassing mix up that could've gone down badly, had Her Majesty not made light of it and showed her sense of humour.

Speaking to The Observer, Sara said, "She's a laugh. I met her at a celebration for authors that she had at Clarence House. "I mistook her daughter, Laura (Lopes), for an author that I half knew, and so I said to Laura, 'Come over. I'll introduce you to the duchess. Let's go over and say hi'."

Laura played along, so we went over, and it slowly dawned on me who she was, because Camilla was like 'Hiiii' to her own daughter," the star continued.

Sara also added that she wasn’t surprised to hear that Her Majesty and the late Dame Jilly Cooper "got on really well", dubbing them "real kindred spirits". Cooper, famous for her risqué, best-selling books, sadly passed away on October 5, 2025.

Later that month, Queen Camilla paid tribute to her friend with another cheeky tale that supports this idea of the two being kindred spirits. Speaking at the Cliveden Literary Festival in Berkshire, Queen Camilla recalled, "She came to a party here a few years ago where, I hope, she uttered her immortal line, 'I'm going to get so absolutely plastered tonight, darling. I love you so much, I want to see two of you.'"

"Dear Jilly, how we'd love to have seen just one of you here with us today."

This isn’t the only time that Queen Camilla's warm and good-humoured nature has been commented upon. The late Paul O’Grady is said to have praised the Queen for being a "funny woman" who used to give him a surprisingly down-to-earth greeting.

Paul reportedly described the Queen as "a really funny woman - you can have a great laugh with her and you don't feel like you're on ceremony".

"I always get a big hug and kiss from her, too, which always shocks everybody," he added.

Queen Camilla has told Gisèle Pelicot that she finished her fearless memoir in just two days and "couldn’t put it down". Her Majesty invited Madame Pelicot to join her for tea at Clarence House on Monday, 23rd February and Gisèle is currently promoting her newly-released book, A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides.

The Queen is also understood to have told Pelicot, "I've met so many survivors of rape and sexual abuse. I never thought I could be shocked by anything anymore, but I was shocked at your case - it left me speechless."

The shocking details of Madame Pelicot’s horrific ordeal captured the world’s attention in 2024. It was revealed that her husband, Dominique Pelicot, had been drugging his wife and been allowing men to sexually assault her for years.

At the end of the 16-week trial, during which Madame Pelicot waived her right to anonymity and became known around the globe for her extraordinary courage, 46 men were found guilty of rape, two of attempted rape and two of sexual assault. Her former husband was jailed for 20 years - the maximum jail sentence.

During her meeting with Queen Camilla, Madame Pelicot talked via a translator about the "incredible strength" she has received from people. The Queen replied, "You have so much support" and mentioned the immense reception she received at her book launch.

Madame Pelicot’s book was launched at an event held in London’s Royal Festival Hall. The event featured readings from famous actors Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and Kate Winslet. At the launch, Pelicot was greeted by standing ovations from a sell-out crowd of over 2000 people.

While the Clarence House tea was their first in-person meeting, Queen Camilla had previously written to Madame Pelicot personally. The Queen has long been a campaigner against domestic and sexual violence and declared in her letter, "I very much wanted to write to express my heartfelt admiration for the courage, grace and dignity with which you have faced the horrific crimes committed against you."

She also told her how she had "created a powerful legacy that will change the narrative around shame, forever".

Madame Pelicot talked of how much Queen Camilla’s words meant to her during her BBC Newsnight interview earlier in the month. She described it as an "honour" and that she was "overwhelmed that the Queen could send me this letter".

She said, "Although my words touched the whole world, I wasn’t expecting a letter from the Court of England. I felt moved and very honoured that she had become aware of what had happened to me. I am grateful to her."

Queen Camilla has been a dedicated campaigner for years now, working to raise awareness of domestic abuse, violence against women, and sexual violence. In 2024 she fronted an ITV documentary in 2024 titled, Behind Closed Doors, which followed her during her first year as Queen Consort, showing never-before-seen private meetings with survivors of domestic violence and those campaigning for change.

Queen Camilla has opened up for the first time about being 'attacked' by a man on train when she was a teenager.

The Queen shared her own personal experience of violence against women during a discussion about combating sexual and domestic violence, and the power of talking about experiences and trauma, on BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

Recalling her experience as a teenager, the Queen said: 'I remember something that had been lurking in the back of my brain for a very long time. When I was a teenager, I was attacked on a train… I remember at the time being so angry.'

The Queen recalled getting off the train and 'my mother looking at me and saying, 'Why is your hair standing on end and why is the button missing from your coat?' I had been attacked.

'I was so furious about it and when the subject about domestic abuse came up, and suddenly you hear a story like John and Amy's, it's something that I feel very strongly about.'

The attack was first reported in the book Power and the Palace, released in September 2025, though the Palace didn't issue a comment at the time.

Queen Camilla was speaking with BBC racing commentator John Hunt, whose wife, Carol, and two daughters, Hannah and Louise, were killed by Louise’s ex-partner in July 2024.

John and his surviving daughter, Amy, have since worked hard to protect the memory of Carol, Louise and Hannah, establishing The Hunt Family Fund to support charities and projects that will work with initiatives around domestic violence and abuse as well as causes that were close to their family members.

After the Queen shared her story, Amy called out the significance of such a moment, saying, 'Thank you for sharing that, Your Majesty. It takes a lot to share these things because every woman has a story.'

During the discussion, the Hunt family, Queen Camilla and Baroness Theresa May who was guest editing the episode, all agreed that work needs to be done on the radicalisation of young men through social media and problematic figures like Andrew Tate.

Amy argued that social media 'largely goes unchecked', with her father agreeing, calling certain online platforms and communities aimed at young men a 'very dark world'.

On her own work in trying to reach men at a young age to combat the rise of violence against women, Queen Camilla added, 'They may have had parents or relatives who've been abusive or done terrible things to them. So they're almost brought up to believe that it's a natural thing to do, but if you can get them early enough and teach them respect for women, I think that's so important.

'It is the most important thing we can do now.'

In an emotional moment, Queen Camilla also praised the work John and Amy have continued to do following such personal tragedy.

She told them, 'I'd just like to say wherever your family is now, they'd be so proud of you both. Thank you.

'And they must be from above smiling down on you and thinking, my goodness me, what a wonderful, wonderful father, husband, sister.

'They'd just be so proud of you both.'

The full conversation with Queen Camilla and John and Amy Hunt is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

If you have been affected by issues raised in this story, women can call The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night. The staff will offer confidential, non-judgemental information and support.

Women can also email helpline@womensaid.org.uk. Staff will respond to your email within 5 working days.

The Royal Family's Christmas Day is all about traditions, from walking to attend church in the morning, to assembling in the dining room for Christmas dinner at 1pm. They're sure to watch the King's Christmas speech in the afternoon too and as evening approaches, I feel confident that Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales will settle down for another festive programme.

As Royal Editor I've honed my royal prediction skills and after all Camilla and Catherine have both said in the past, I'd be shocked if the pair didn't tune into the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. It airs at 5:30pm on Christmas Day and is even more momentous than usual as it will officially mark the final appearance of hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

Their statement announcing their exit after 2025 was met with sadness from fans and Queen Camilla wrote a personal message to the duo that was read out in the Strictly final. If you didn't already know she was a big fan, you'd be left in no doubt after this!

Her Majesty signed off the message "with warmest gratitude and admiration" and included the classic Strictly catch phrase - "Keeeeeeeep dancing!" This was such a lovely personal note to Claudia and Tess and was a total surprise, although it's not the first time she'd paid tribute to the BBC series.

She appeared as part of a 2020 video thanking Strictly for "uplifting the nation" during the pandemic. Queen Camilla and King Charles watch the show together and the Princess of Wales is a fellow loyal viewer.

Prince William revealed this to Head Judge Shirley Ballas in 2017 and admitted that whilst he'd watched "a couple of times", his wife is a "huge fan" and her mum Carole "loves it". He's probably seen more than a few episodes at this point, as the Wales children are now into Strictly too.

The Princess took Princess Charlotte and Louis to visit the set in 2023 and they got to meet Shirley. She's said they had a "complete ball" and the judge thought it would be a "nice idea" to give Charlotte a crown they had on set whilst Louis got sweets.

He apparently asked to have the same as his big sister and so they found him a crown of his own. From the sounds of it, he and Charlotte would probably be up for watching the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special at Sandringham House with their mum and step-grandmother.

It comes ahead of Michael McIntyre's The Wheel, EastEnders and the Call the Midwife Christmas special and Amandaland special, making up a strong Christmas Day early evening line-up on BBC One. Queen Camilla and Princess Catherine have plenty of time to enjoy Strictly too, as it ends an hour and a half before dinner is served.

Former royal chef Darren McGrady has previously explained that a buffet is laid out around 8:15pm and given how many of their other yuletide traditions are still upheld, these timings are likely to still be in place.

They can, of course, also catch up on the show afterwards on BBC iPlayer if they don't watch it live. The Prince and Princess of Wales are also partial to thrillers, like Black Doves and Killing Eve, so I wouldn't be surprised if they found another high-octane show to race through during the Christmas break, as well as watching the family-friendly favourites like Strictly.

It wouldn’t have mattered what magnificent gown Queen Camilla wore to this year’s Diplomatic Corps Reception on 18th November, her tiara was always going to steal the show. As soon as I saw her glimmering emerald-studded headpiece it struck me what a significant choice it was.

We’ve all seen the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara before - when Princess Eugenie wore it on her wedding day. This was the first time it had been glimpsed in years and no-one had publicly worn it since until Queen Camilla. The tiara is still strongly associated with Eugenie and I think Her Majesty and her team would have known this.

So much thought goes into every detail of a royal’s outfit and Queen Camilla has a staggering amount of tiaras she could’ve picked instead. Yet she chose to make her debut in the Kokoshnik and I think after the scandals and headlines in recent weeks it could be a small nod of support for her niece.

Autumn has been a time of massive change for the Royal Family, as it was firstly confirmed that Eugenie’s father Andrew would no longer use his Duke of York title. A few days later, King Charles made the unprecedented decision to remove his brother’s Princely title in a statement that featured a very important line.

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, as he is now known, has continued to vehemently deny the accusations against him. His daughters Eugenie and Beatrice remain Princesses and reports have claimed that King Charles holds his nieces in "high affection" and wanted them to be "protected" from the fall of the House of York.

Whilst it could be a coincidence, I personally think it’s possible Queen Camilla wore Eugenie's wedding tiara as a meaningful gesture, indicating how she and Beatrice are still much-loved and close to their wider family.

No other part of Her Majesty’s jewellery or outfit was green, so it wasn’t as though the tiara was tying in with another element.

Any jewelled headpiece would’ve worked with her white gown. Maxwell Stone from UK jeweller Steven Stone has declared that they’ve "previously estimated the distinctive diamond and emerald headpiece - made by the French jewellery, Boucheron, in 1919 - to be worth £10 million."

This would make it "the most expensive of all the tiaras" they’ve studied and Maxwell adds that "wearing emeralds is said to promote friendship, peace, harmony, and domestic bliss". It enables the wearer to "both give and receive unconditional love".

This is a special sentiment at any point and particularly apt now, given the slew of headlines the Royal Family have faced in recent weeks surrounding the former Prince Andrew. Her Majesty’s headpiece hasn’t gone unnoticed since the Diplomatic Corps Reception and I would be surprised if she had expected it would.

Neither she or King Charles have been seen in public with Princess Eugenie or Princess Beatrice since their father was stripped of his title. It remains to be seen whether the sisters will join the royals at Sandringham House for Christmas after everything that has happened, although reports have suggested that they will likely be invited to.

Sarah Jessica Parker swapped Manolos for Majesties this week, as the Sex and the City icon was in London as part of the judging panel for the 2025 Booker Prize.

The actress and fashion icon has recently upped her adventures with publishing, setting up her own publishing imprint called SJP Lit, and this is why she was selected to be one of the judges of the esteemed literary prize.

Queen Camilla, a well-known book lover who has established the likes of the Queen’s Reading Room, her charity championing literature in the UK and beyond, hosted Sarah Jessica, the other judges, and shortlisted authors in an elegant evening soiree at Clarence House.

With videos of the two meeting shared online, fans were amused at Sarah Jessica’s choice of greeting. The And Just Like That star seemed to cover all her bases, not only dipping into a polite curtsy, but giving a short bow too.

While certainly polite and proper, there’s actually no need for an American to bow or curtsy to the monarch.

Bowing or curtsying is a voluntary gesture of respect when meeting a member of the royal family. Per the Royal Family website, "There are no obligatory codes of behaviour when meeting The Queen or a member of the Royal Family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms."

"For men this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women do a small curtsy. Other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way."

After the very royal greeting, SJP and Her Majesty enjoyed a polite chat that was also caught in videos and reported online.

Per several sources, the Queen is said to have told Sarah Jessica that her involvement in the Booker Prize was just "one of your many hats".

The delighted actress is said to have replied, "And the one I'm most proud of. It was thrilling, especially to be among this group, who are all extraordinary, smart and wise."

She added, "We had such riches to discuss, and we are surrounded by such wonderful, exciting authors." David Szalay’s book, Flesh: A Novel, took home the prize this year.

While fans have come to expect distinct fashion from Sarah Jessica Parker - both as her iconic character, Carrie Bradshaw, and with her own red carpet looks - the Emmy-winning star kept things a touch more reserved for this occasion.

SJP wore a tea-length black dress with an A-line skirt, paired with a matching black bolero that featured a subtle shoulder pad effect. Giving a pop of drama, there was blue, green, and pink floral embroidery around the chest that matched her crystal embellished Sonia Rykiel bag.

It was a different look from the previous night, when the style icon donned a seasonal plum corseted dress for the Booker Prize ceremony red carpet.

Perhaps in a nod to classic Regency fashion - when in London, and all that - SJP's look felt like a nod to Bridgerton or the likes of Elizabeth Bennett.

She paired her dark purple embroidered dress with a sequin-lined Fendi purse from the spring/summer 2026 runway.

After this crossover, more importantly, we're wondering is Queen Camilla is more likely a Carrie or a Miranda?

Poppies are a symbol of remembrance and leading up to Remembrance Day on 11th, the Royal Family aren't seen in public without one. At the National Service of Remembrance, though, we often see the Princess of Wales and Queen Camilla with multiple poppies worn on the left side of their respectful black outfits.

The Royal Family have never publicly confirmed the reason for this, though over the years several prominent theories have emerged. All are possible, but one of them stands out to me, as it would explain why so many royals often opt for three poppies.

Kate has worn three regularly for a while now and Queen Camilla has worn three in the past too, as has Duchess Sophie. It’s thought that each poppy could represent a different main branch of the armed forces - the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy and the British Army.

Although Prince William is more well-known for being a former RAF pilot, he also served in the Navy and the Army for a time throughout his military career. Alongside her husband’s links, Kate’s paternal grandfather Peter Middleton was an RAF fighter pilot during World War II.

The future Queen herself also holds honorary positions tied to all three branches, including being Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, Colonel of the Irish Guards and Royal Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Coningsby. Queen Camilla likewise has roles associated with the RAF, Navy and Army which could be why she has worn three poppies several times before too.

The number of poppies worn by Queen Camilla varies more, as she sometimes wears larger poppies instead, or a single one with a meaningful brooch.

The late Queen Elizabeth used to wear five poppies which were thought to represent the RAF, Royal Navy, British Army, as well as Civil Defence and women’s services. The British Legion has stated that there’s no "correct" way to wear a poppy, only asking that those who wear these poignant symbols do so with pride.

Whilst I do think that wanting to honour and remember these branches of the Armed Forces is a very likely explanation for why royals like Kate and Queen Camilla wear more than one poppy, there is another possible reason.

It’s been suggested that individual royals wear certain numbers of poppies in tribute to family members who fought and lost their lives in war. Over the years it’s been speculated that the Princess of Wales’s three poppies could also be in memory of her great-grandmother’s three brothers who died in the First World War.

Another prominent theory is that multiple poppies are simply more visible than one and thus send a powerful message to anyone attending the National Service of Remembrance or watching the coverage on television.

Although this could be an additional factor, I personally think that this isn’t the primary reason and that honouring the Armed Forces, perhaps with a dual meaning linked to family, is more likely to be why Kate, Camilla and so many other royals wear more than one poppy.

The Queen and the Princess of Wales's bond isn't nearly as talked-about as Camilla's relationship with her stepson Prince William. Certain things speak volumes and this includes the remark Queen Camilla apparently made when Kate shared a video confirming she had completed cancer treatment.

Filmed by Will Warr, it was posted last September and Her Majesty was said to be "deeply relieved" to hear the news. However, royal author Robert Jobson has also quoted a senior Household source in his new book, The Windsor Legacy, as revealing that she joked with friends that the video was "like a shampoo commercial".

The remark was described as "tongue-in-cheek" and whilst it might spark a negative reaction from some, I think it sheds a lot of light on her and Kate's relationship.

Doubtless, Queen Camilla's reported comment was meant as a light-hearted one and not in any way intended to offend the Princess of Wales, but perhaps to lessen the tension and pressure she might have been facing. After all, media scrutiny was intense every time Kate did - or didn't - post online or make public appearances.

With every move being analysed at one of the most challenging times of your life, a little kindly-meant humour could've made a refreshing change. The Queen has been a huge source of support and comfort for King Charles as he continues cancer treatment and knows all-too-well how tough this can be for the person going through it and their close family.

The Princess of Wales's video was very much focused on nature, with clips showing her in forests and walking through fields.

These elements are, coincidentally, also found in many beauty adverts, perhaps leading to Camilla's remark though it doesn't mean she wasn't also fully aware of the gravitas of the announcement.

The BBC's former royal correspondent, Jennie Bond, previously described Camilla and Kate as "two very lovely women who share a most extraordinary and exclusive destiny". She added that they're "also both devoted mums who like nothing better than to toss the regalia of royalty to one side and romp around the garden with the kids".

At their core, the Queen and Princess's values are very aligned in these ways. Whilst it would be unimaginable for Camilla to make a "shampoo commercial" comment in public, privately, her more down-to-earth, fuss-free approach is something Kate probably sees a lot more of.

Jennie added, "What a unique relationship it must be. There is literally no-one else for Catherine to turn to who has direct experience of the role that will one day be hers."

On a personal level they do appear to get on very well and are regularly seen smiling and chatting together at events. From the start Her Majesty is understood to have been there for Kate, providing advice before her wedding and giving her a very touching wedding gift too.

The Princess of Wales owns a golden bracelet with a crowned C initial on the charm that is widely thought to have been a present from the Queen. This is believed to either be a reference to Catherine and Camilla or Catherine and Cambridge, yet either way it's very special.

At first glance the so-called "shampoo commercial" comment might sound improper, but we have to remember that Queen Camilla knows the Princess of Wales far better than most people.

At one point it would have been unimaginable for the King to strip his brother of his princely title. But after the mounting pressure and flurry of headlines and accusations in recent weeks it became almost inevitable that more would be done after relinquishing use of his Duke of York title did nothing to quell calls for further action.

Even so, the announcement that Prince Andrew is now Mr Andrew Mountbatten Windsor came as something of a shock. It was an unprecedented move by King Charles, who also confirmed that "formal notice has now been served [for Andrew] to surrender the lease" on Royal Lodge.

These measures were "deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him". However, it's the final line of the statement that immediately drew my attention, and it mentions Queen Camilla.

"Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse," it declared.

It’s not just the King, but the Queen too, who wanted to make this sentiment abundantly clear and mentions of "victims and survivors" haven’t been included in Andrew-focused statements before. The couple aren’t directly commenting on the allegations, but they’re publicly acknowledging those who have gone through "any and all forms of abuse" and the suffering they experienced.

They’re not erasing them from the story and making it all about Andrew instead. It cements King Charles and Queen Camilla’s stance and I think that Her Majesty could possibly have been instrumental in crafting this particular part of the statement.

Queen Camilla’s commitment to raising awareness and working to end violence against women and domestic and sexual violence is well-known. She has been vocal about this for so many years and in 2020 on the UN Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women she declared in a message that everyone has a part to play "to do everything in our power to raise awareness, to ‘reach in’ to others, and to support, and be inspired by, those very brave survivors".

I believe that the Queen likely had a part to play in the wording of King Charles’s entire statement as his wife and confidante, but more specifically in the message to "victims and survivors".

A friend of Their Majesties has been quoted as claiming that any time courtiers drafted references to the victims in statements since Andrew’s 2019 Newsnight interview, they were removed and it had required him to sign it off.

"There has long been a sense from the family that the voices of the victims needed to be heard in these pronouncements, because they feature so heavily in this saga and because there is no credible way the Queen and the Duchess of Edinburgh can continue to do the work they do in the areas of sexual abuse if they can’t point to that," the friend added.

Camilla has been described as a "wise counsel" to her husband throughout his decision-making process, though the "Their Majesties" wording is the only official reference to her so far. The last remaining honour Andrew has is his place as eighth in the royal line of succession, which in turn makes him a Counsellor of State.

Downing Street has confirmed that there are no current plans to remove him from the succession, though I think it’s not beyond the realms of possibility someday given the steps King Charles has taken so far and the ongoing public outcry.

One upside of the temperatures starting to drop even more is that we can finally start styling knee high boots again. They’re one of the most-worn pieces in my winter wardrobe but because they give so much coverage I tend to wait until it’s cold enough to enjoy them.

The Royal Family tend to do the same and Queen Camilla’s best knee high boots have just been brought out again for the autumn/winter 2025 season. She owns the Dressage Boots from Russell & Bromley in multiple colours and on 28th October Her Majesty stepped out for a day of engagements in her pale taupe pair.

Queen Camilla visited Corsham and saw the stunning handmade poppies on display as part of The Poppy Project which commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Her outfit was respectful and timeless, and her knee highs finished it off elegantly.

Shop More Pale-Toned Boots

They’re crafted from luxurious suede and have a comfortable block heel for a touch of elevation. It’s tempting to go for black winter boots as the darker colour is more practical in unpredictable weather, but it’s also worth having a lighter option too.

The light brown tone of Queen Camilla’s boots really brought out the texture of the suede and something like this makes a softer alternative to black. Taupe, camel and tan boots complement lighter outfits as they aren’t as much of a contrast and brighten up the whole colour palette of an autumn/winter ensemble.

The Queen styled hers with her old favourite camel coat from Anna Valentine with the visible thread detailing running from the tunic-esque collar down the front.

Her knee highs were an almost perfect colour match and the combination of the coat draping over her tall boots elongated her silhouette. A brown, grey or white coat would also be gorgeous and if you were wearing a lighter outfit to tie in with your boots, I also think a contrasting black longline coat over the top would work too.

Knee high boots and midi dresses or skirts are a failsafe date night outfit and Queen Camilla wore a deep brown skirt that was just visible under her coat.

She clearly finds these Russell & Bromley boots seriously comfortable as she wore them throughout this busy day in Wiltshire. As well as visiting The Poppy Project, Queen Camilla unveiled Bromham’s new Community Hub which has been built to replace the community centre that was lost in a fire.

It features a café and flexible group spaces, and aims to reinvigorate village life, reducing isolation and supporting the mental wellbeing of local residents. Although the King and Queen live at Clarence House in London most of the time, Her Majesty still owns a residence in Wiltshire which is incredibly close to both places she visited.

Queen Camilla looked chic and cosy for both engagements and now she’s broken out her knee high boots for the season, it surely won’t be long before we see them again. If you’re ever in doubt of how to wear lighter boots, follow her example and find a camel coat that you love and you’ve got yourself a winning combination.

The Royal Family don’t shy away from wearing vibrant colours and so seeing Queen Camilla stepping out in Vatican City on 23rd October wearing head-to-toe black might have piqued many people’s curiosity. After all, we only really see the royals wearing black to funerals or memorials and this wasn’t your average black ensemble.

Her Majesty was elegant as ever but definitely more dramatic than usual in her black dress and waist-length veil. This was secured in place with a feather-adorned headpiece that was reminiscent of the one she wore at her wedding to King Charles.

The King’s navy suit made his wife’s black attire look even bolder and there’s a reason she wore this - and not another colour worn by other Queens.

It’s traditional for a Queen to wear black and a veil for an audience with the Pope at the Vatican as a sign of respect, modesty and humility. The late Queen Elizabeth followed this dress code several times, including when she met Pope John Paul II in 2000.

However, not everyone has to. Some royals are permitted to wear all white instead thanks to a rare privilege that Queen Camilla will never be granted. Only Catholic Queens and Princesses can receive the privilège du blanc and this is why Queen Letizia of Spain and Princess Charlene of Monaco - along with several others - have been pictured in white alongside the Pope.

Queen Camilla isn’t Catholic and is the wife of the Supreme Governor of the Church of England which is the reason the couple’s visit is so historic. It will mark the first time that a British monarch and Pope have prayed together at a church service since the English Reformation in the 16th century.

Queen Camilla isn’t Catholic and is the wife of the Supreme Governor of the Church of England which is the reason the couple’s visit is so historic. It will mark the first time that a British monarch and Pope have prayed together at a church service since the English Reformation in the 16th century.

The couple are in Vatican City for a historic State Visit coinciding with the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year celebrations and met with Pope Leo XIV for the first time since he was elected in May.

They previously met with his predecessor Pope Francis in April and although Queen Camilla didn’t don a veil on this occasion, she did wear black. Religion plays a key part in the Royal Family’s lives and the late Queen Elizabeth was known to have been incredibly devout.

It was her position as head of the Church of England which has long been rumoured to have inspired her decision not to attend divorcees King Charles and Queen Camilla’s wedding in 2005, though she did attend a service of prayer and dedication afterwards.

Queen Elizabeth also hosted a reception for them at Windsor Castle and a palace statement released at the time stated that she was "aware that the Prince and Mrs Parker Bowles wanted to keep the occasion low-key" and that’s why she was absent from the ceremony. During her reign and now in King Charles’s religion is the focus of two of the biggest occasions where we see the royals come together every year.

Each Christmas they gather at Sandringham House and walk to church on Christmas Day and on Easter Sunday they are pictured walking to St George’s Chapel.

This month US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump undertook their second State Visit to the United Kingdom and their trip included plenty of memorable moments. Melania and the Princess of Wales teamed up on the final day for a tour of Frogmore Gardens near Windsor Castle and met with members of the Scouts' Squirrels program.

The First Lady looked to have had a great time and other than the weather the day before which curtailed plans for a full RAF flypast, the trip went off without a hitch. This wasn't exactly the case during the Trumps' last State Visit.

Writing in her 2024 book, Melania: A Memoir, Melania previously recalled a "light-hearted" mishap that left her and Queen Camilla in fits of laughter when she and the President visited the UK back in 2019.

As per The Mirror in the memoir, she reportedly wrote, "Donald and I landed in Marine One on the perfectly manicured grounds and were greeted by Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, who escorted us to the entrance where Her Majesty the Queen awaited."

"Amid the pomp of the ceremonial welcome by British guards, a sudden gust of wind ruffled my hat. I quickly grabbed at it to hold it in place and shared an unrestrained moment of laughter with the Queen and the Duchess," Melania continued. "It was a light-hearted and spontaneous moment in an otherwise formal and dignified occasion."

Hats and breezy days can be a challenging mix and no-one knows this better than the royals. It's no wonder that they could all share a laugh about it during the ceremonial welcome, likely making Melania feel more at ease.

They might be perceived by many to be serious and having the quintessentially British stiff upper lip, but this isn’t the first time the Royal Family have taken a more relaxed approach during a State Visit. Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have previously shared how the late Queen Elizabeth II put them right at ease.

Recalling her State Visit in 2016, Michelle Obama has declared, as per CNN, "So I had all this protocol buzzing in my head, and I was like 'don’t trip down the stairs and don’t touch anybody, whatever you do.'"

However, when it came to getting in the car with Her Majesty, Michelle added, "And so the Queen says 'just get in, sit wherever' and she’s telling you one thing and you’re remembering protocol and she says, 'Oh it’s all rubbish, just get in.'"

"Protocol does inform a lot of what the Royal Family do," explains woman&home's Royal Editor, Emma Shacklock. "However, it's not the be-all and end-all and this anecdote from the Obamas reflects this. As for Melania sharing laughter with Queen Elizabeth and Queen Camilla over almost losing her hat, this again shows that although they're very dignified the royals do have a sense of humour."

Six years after the Trumps' first State Visit, the First Lady and Queen Camilla were reunited at this recent one. It started off with a ride together in the Scottish State Coach for a procession through the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Other key moments from their itinerary included a visit to St George’s Chapel, where the President and First Lady lay a wreath in honor of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

President Donald Trump’s recent visit to the United Kingdom was a historic one, as it made him one of the first US Presidents since Harry S. Truman to have met with two reigning monarchs. He and First Lady Melania Trump were hosted at Windsor Castle by King Charles and Queen Camilla, with the Prince and Princess of Wales taking on the role of receiving them on the Berkshire estate.

As has become custom for a State Visit, gifts between the two parties were exchanged, and there was plenty of symbolism and significance behind the choices.

King Charles was gifted a replica of a President Eisenhower sword. In a statement released by the Palace, per Town & Country, this sword represented "profound respect" for His Majesty - and for the continuing relationship between the UK and the USA.

"This gift symbolizes profound respect and is a reminder of the historical partnership that was critical to winning World War II," it declared. "The sword also symbolizes the enduring values and cooperative spirit that continues to define the relationship between the United States and Great Britain."

Queen Camilla was also the recipient of a thoughtful gift, and this upheld a tradition that dates back decades. Her Majesty was given a vintage floral brooch from the legendary American jeweler, Tiffany & Co.

Featuring 18-carat gold, diamonds and rubies, the Queen later wore the brooch at the Beating Retreat military ceremony at Windsor Castle, pairing it with a sapphire blue Fiona Clare dress and Philip Treacy hat.

Several American dignitaries have gifted something from Tiffany & Co over the years. When President Trump last visited, he gifted Queen Elizabeth II a brooch from the iconic jeweler. Before them, Barack and Michelle Obama brought Tiffany gifts during their first State Visit.

JFK and First Lady Jackie Kennedy also brought a silver Tiffany frame during their 1961 visit. As for the presents given to the President and First Lady by Their Majesties, symbolism was once again at the heart of the choices.

President Trump was gifted a unique, hand-bound leather book, crafted at the Royal Bindery, to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. He was also presented with the Union Flag that was flown above Buckingham Palace on the day of his inauguration in January.

First Lady Melania was presented with a personalized Anya Hindmarch handbag – a designer that counts the likes of the Princess of Wales as a fan - and a silver and enamel bowl created by Northern Irish artist Cara Murphy. She and the President were also both gifted a silver photograph frame engraved with the joint cyphers of the King and Queen.

"These gifts were carefully thought out on both sides," says woman&home's Royal Editor Emma Shacklock. "They aren't so much personal presents like we exchange at Christmas or give for birthdays. They are all incredibly significant and chosen to reflect the whole point of the occasion - the relationship between the UK and US. The decision to release a statement explaining the gifts' meaning highlights this."

In a rousing speech given during the State Banquet, His Majesty toasted to the success of the US State Visit and of the relationship between the two countries.

"Mr President, as we approach the 250th anniversary of the declaration of independence next year, it is remarkable to think just how far we have come. I cannot help but wonder what our forebears from 1776 would make of this friendship today," His Majesty declared.

"In renewing our bond tonight, we do so with unshakeable trust in our friendship and in our shared commitment to independence and liberty."

A state visit (where the UK hosts a foreign head of state and their delegation) is designed to show Britain at its best – and achieve specific aims in the British interest, such as trade deals, policy change or investment.

The mechanism by which we blow every other country’s diplomatic socks off is, of course, by utilising the impressive ‘soft power’ of the Royal Family.

It really is a three-line whip for all members of the Firm that they have to be present and correct when the monarch hosts another head of state.

And the red carpet is rolled out – which we have seen in spades during Donald Trump's second state visit.

The monarch is always acting on the advice of his or her prime minister, and it is the latter who decides to whom the prized invitations go.

Even for the outgoing royal tours, it’s up to the PM and a special visits’ committee who decides where the royals should go.

So the monarch has to display considerable diplomatic skill (and sometimes hold their nose) when entertaining heads of state.

The late Queen had to entertain the tyrannical communist dictator of Romania, Nicolae Ceaușescu, in 1978 and then Zimbabwe’s equally brutal Robert Mugabe in 1994 at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (presumably on the basis it’s better to keep friends close but enemies closer).

Royal welcome

Usually, foreign dignitaries are hosted at Buckingham Palace – aka ‘Monarchy HQ’. This year, Buckingham Palace cannot be used for entertaining, as the state rooms are undergoing significant renovations as part of the 10-year ‘reservicing’ project, due to end in 2027.

Instead, Windsor Castle is the backdrop, and although until this summer it had been over a decade since a state visit was held here, everything and everyone has slotted into place seamlessly for the US President's visit – as it did for French President Macron and his wife Brigitte in July.

It’s also customary for the Prince and Princess of Wales to welcome the visiting head of state when they arrive in the UK, which Prince William and Princess Catherine did for Donald and Melania Trump in the Walled Garden of the Windsor Castle estate. On this occasion, Catherine looked radiant in head-to-toe burgundy and a Chanel bag, while Melania Trump chose a striking wide-brimmed hat.

There is then a ceremonial welcome with the monarch at Horse Guards Parade, comprising the magnificent beasts of the Household Cavalry and a political line-up, including the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and the Chiefs of Staff.

A carriage procession down The Mall then follows, with enclosed coaches from the Royal Mews in winter months (or summer rain) and the open-topped state landaus used in better weather.

Traditionally, guests enjoy a state banquet on the evening of their first day. Princess Catherine dazzled again at the Trump state banquet in a glimmering gold gown – that reminded our Royal Editor Emma Shacklock of Catherine's wedding dress – paired with the Lover’s Knot Tiara.

They then stay overnight in Buckingham Palace and then visit (and sometimes address) the UK Parliament and 10 Downing Street on the subsequent days two and three, which have a more political focus.

In 2019, for Trump’s first state visit, there was no carriage procession due to security concerns.

Instead, I was standing on the lawn at Buckingham Palace as he arrived in his helicopter (the late Queen Elizabeth II complaining afterwards that Marine One had ‘ruined’ her lawn by scorching the grass!).

Guests of honour

The royal chefs (numbering around 20 at full tilt for the banquet) tend to move with the King (although Windsor Castle and Clarence House, where the King and Queen currently live, have their own), and every two or three days the King is sent a ‘menu book’ to review upcoming meals.

King Charles III personally invited the Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc (also an ambassador for the King’s Foundation) to collaborate on the menu for the French state visit, which included organic summer vegetables and an iced blackcurrant parfait with elderflower jelly (even the food was a mix of Entente Cordiale!).

The diplomatic love-in is mirrored in the dresses, the flowers and even the wine.

When the Emperor and Empress of Japan visited last year, Acer palmatum ‘Seiryū’ (Japanese maples) decorated the Buckingham Palace ballroom, alongside the national flag colours, with red roses, white tablecloth and gold dinner service.

At the French state visit, the three most senior women each wore a colour of the Tricolore flag – the Princess of Wales in red, the Queen in white and Madame Macron in blue, while the wine list featured an English sparkling wine made by a French champagne house.

And the magnificent banqueting table in St George’s Hall had taken six days to first construct and then lay with the royal china, glassware and cutlery.

But things don’t always go to plan. In 2011, while then US President Obama began wrapping up his toast, he paused and said, ‘To her Majesty, the Queen’ – a phrase that prompted the orchestra to play God Save the Queen, even though he hadn’t finished.

But Obama kept talking over the British national anthem, much to the apparent amusement (or embarrassment?!) of the then Duchess of Cornwall and the late Queen.

During President Trump’s last visit, Prince Harry was present at the official Buckingham Palace lunch (despite the prince telling me and several others that he and wife Meghan were not fans) and skulked in the background while Trump followed the late Queen around like a delighted puppy.

And in 2008, Queen Elizabeth was a little surprised to find that the then French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his new wife, fashion model Carla Bruni, had disappeared after dinner and had retired before their host. The official explanation was that they were ‘tired’.

Asked about it several years later, Ms Bruni replied with a smile, ‘We were newly married!’

US President's 'unprecedented' visit

Typically, second-term presidents are not invited for another state visit – instead, US Presidents Obama and George W. Bush were invited to tea.

But the ‘unprecedented’ offer to Trump was extended on the King’s behalf by Prime Minister Keir Starmer when he visited the White House earlier this year.

It has perhaps proved to be diplomatically tricky for Charles, with him also being King of Canada, which Trump has repeatedly said he wants to make his ‘51st state’.

However, with the red carpet rolled out for the US President and wife Melania, the sparkling tiaras, white gloves and gold upon gold will be sure to give him the ‘fest’ he so desires.

Queen Camilla once revealed that she’s seen her fair share of "cooking disasters" - so much so that she could "fill a book" with them!

In a sweet interview with her son, the food writer Tom Parker Bowles for You Magazine, the Queen talked all things food - from her early memories to bonding over eating with her children.

Amongst lovely details of her upbringing and insights into the food she still likes to prepare herself - "beans on toast" being a surprising favourite - Queen Camilla shared that she would often find "incinerated" baked potatoes left in the Aga.

She told her son, "I could fill a book with all my cooking disasters. I’m not a natural baker, to say the least."

Explaining her particular blind spot for baked potatoes, Her Majesty joked, "Many a poor, incinerated specimen has been found in the bottom of the Aga, put in, then forgotten about."

Okay, so assuming potatoes are off the menu, what sort of dishes might the Queen like to whip up, whether at Clarence House or relaxing on her summer holidays with King Charles at Balmoral?

She shared, "One of my favourite foods is baked beans on toast. Always Heinz."

She added that this approach to her meals is based on a preference for "nothing too mucked about, or fussy or fiddly".

At the time of the interview, Camilla was still the Duchess of Cornwall, and she revealed that she quite liked to prepare plenty of her own meals. She told Tom, "I do still cook for myself when at home.

"Simple things like fish en papillote with butter and herbs. And vegetables from the garden: kale, purple sprouting broccoli, carrots, courgettes, and lots of peas and beans because they freeze so well."

Queen Camilla also revealed how food has become something to bond over with her children as they’re now grown up with families of their own. She shared in the interview, “These days, restaurants are a way to see my children. They pick the restaurants, I pay the bill.”

Interestingly, Queen Camilla seems to share an aversion to something that her mother-in-law, the late Queen Elizabeth II, also reportedly didn’t have stocked often in the royal kitchens. Camilla revealed, “I avoid chilli and garlic too.”

According to former royal chef Darren McGrady, the late Queen Elizabeth “didn’t like garlic or strong onions, viewing them as antisocial".

A generation of readers fell under the spell of Rupert Campbell-Black, the scandalous, charming and devilishly handsome character from Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles, the best-selling collection of novels that started with 1985’s Riders.

Decades later a whole new generation have fallen for the charms of the suave, upper-class character thanks to the 2024 TV adaptation of Rivals that aired on Hulu. While many might be familiar with Jilly Cooper’s books - which have sold over 11 million copies in the UK alone, per her website - it might come as a surprise to find out who inspired the lothario at the center of her best-selling series.

The author herself revealed that Rupert Campbell-Black is inspired by three real-life men - and one of them is Queen Camilla’s former husband, Andrew Parker Bowles.

The other two are apparently David Somerset, the 11th Duke of Beaufort, and the 21st Earl of Suffolk, Michael Howard. Speaking to Elizabeth Day on her podcast How To Fail, Jilly revealed that it all started when she moved out of London and into the Cotswolds.

This English region is known for its charming villages, rolling hills and affluent residents. Attending soirees with society’s finest, Jilly would bump into the likes of Andrew Parker Bowles, who was married to the now-Queen Camilla at the time.

"He's been a great friend for a long time so he's very like Rupert. He's beautiful and blond and stunning," Jilly shared.

She was quick to add that she was inspired by the three men’s "charm and glamour" and that Rupert’s "naughty behavior" was her own work of fiction.

Andrew and Queen Camilla first met in the 1960s and later married on July 4, 1973. Throughout their marriage they welcomed two children, food writer Tom Parker Bowles and artist Laura Lopes, and went on to divorce in 1995.

It’s widely understood that the pair have maintained a great friendship in the years since. Andrew Parker Bowles was invited to both Queen Camilla and King Charles's wedding in April 2005 and to their coronation in 2023.

Andrew’s rapport with the Royal Family extends beyond his ex-wife. Before he married Queen Camilla, he had had a brief relationship with Princess Anne. They appear to still be friends too, considering that he is godfather to her daughter, Zara Tindall.

Meanwhile, author Jilly Cooper has gone on to meet King Charles several times. She attended his and Queen Camilla's wedding and he was the one at her Investiture Ceremony at Windsor Castle last year.

Jilly was made a Dame (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for Services to Literature and Charity in 2024. Speaking to the PA News Agency, as per The Independent, she said it was "lovely" to see the King again.

"Just terribly exciting and nice," she reflected, when asked how it felt to receive the honour. "I never dreamed in a million years it would happen and it just has, so it’s lovely.”

For most of his life, King Charles had something of an unusual custom when it came to his eating habits. Unlike many people, the monarch would reportedly rarely stop to eat lunch. Instead, he apparently used to forgo it in favour of continuing with work or taking a stroll around the gardens if he was in Scotland or Highgrove House.

However, after decades of skipping a midday meal, His Majesty has, it’s reported, been tucking into a trendy superfood each lunchtime, albeit with "some reluctance". Since he was diagnosed with cancer last year and started treatment, it's been alleged that Queen Camilla, his aides and doctors have encouraged him to change his ways.

According to The Mail on Sunday, at the insistence of Queen Camilla, His Majesty tucks into half an avocado as a light lunch.

As per the publication, an unnamed source alleged, "With some reluctance, he now has something to eat at lunchtime - a snack, really. He now eats half an avocado to sustain him through the day. It's important, particularly if you have got an illness."

The avocado has long been thought of a superfood, and it’s packed full of fibre, essential nutrients and healthy fats. Out of all the possible lunches he could have chosen, it's perhaps no surprise that he's embraced such a healthy option

The King has always tried to be conscious of what he eats, reportedly favouring organic and seasonal produce. Per the Mail on Sunday, he has previously told the BBC that he even abstains from meat and fish on two days of the week, as well as avoiding dairy on one of those days.

"Given how busy King Charles is, eating lunch sounds like a very good plan," says woman&home's Royal Editor, Emma Shacklock. "It will help fuel him for the afternoons and Queen Camilla is a big fan of avocados too, so they likely always have some in their kitchen. They're also very quick to eat, so he can get back to work without taking an extended break."

The King and Queen are currently enjoying their annual summer break, although for a monarch there's never really a day without any work at all. At least some of his meals will be adjusted to suit the summer season and Queen Camilla's eldest child, Tom Parker Bowles, has previously shared some intriguing insights into how they eat behind closed doors.

As shared by The Independent, Tom, who is a food critic and writer, described his royal step-father as a "true food hero" who champions sustainability in his diet as he does in other areas of his life.

"There is no waste, everything is recycled, everything is used from the table", Tom shared. "If anything is left over from the dinner, that will be made into something else or appear the next day. Nothing’s allowed to be thrown out."

King Charles and Queen Camilla both take a keen interest in growing produce at home too. Her Majesty and Tom gave an interview to You magazine, as reported by The Independent, in which she explained that they get very "competitive" with each other.

"I love the vegetable garden, and summer in particular," she shared. "I’m very proud of my white peaches. My husband is an excellent gardener, and we’re quite competitive about our fruit and vegetables."

Over the years we’ve come to expect and look forward to a new photo being released to mark the senior royals’ birthdays and we weren’t disappointed as Queen Camilla turned 78 on 17th July. Taken by Chris Jackson and released the day before, it shows her leaning against a gate in the sunshine, looking relaxed in a patterned dress.

It’s a portrait full of poise and elegance, though what always piques my interest when a birthday picture is shared are the smaller details. There’s so much hidden beneath the surface that speaks volumes and the location of Queen Camilla’s new snap struck me most.

As revealed by the caption, her 78th birthday photo was shot - not at Clarence House where she lives with King Charles - but at her own private home in Wiltshire, Raymill.

Raymill is just fifteen minutes away from His Majesty’s beloved Highgrove House and the Queen bought it after her divorce from her first husband Andrew Parker Bowles. She’s kept it ever since and it’s very interesting to me that this was the location she chose for such a high-profile photo.

Whilst Clarence House is also her and King Charles’s home, it is ultimately a royal residence. Raymill is entirely separate from the Royal Family and the scrutiny that follows them, and it’s incredibly personal to her.

It was also in the gardens here that the Princess of Wales captured Queen Camilla’s cover photo for her guest-edited issue of Country Life in 2022. All of this suggests to me that Her Majesty is most relaxed taking special pictures when she’s at Raymill.

She could view it as a sanctuary and it’s likely far easier to achieve a great picture when you’re completely private in familiar surroundings. Speaking previously to OK!, the BBC’s former Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond expressed admiration for Her Majesty keeping Raymill and suggested it acts as her "sanity valve".

"Camilla has maintained a small part of her life which is hers and and almost hers alone and I rather admire that," Jennie declared. "She has her own house where she can put her muddy Wellington boots on and a pair of old jeans and and romp around the garden with her grandchildren or just on her own, and just have some peace and calm and quiet."

She said it was important to remember that the Queen "has a history, she has a family, she has an independent life and has kept some of that, albeit a very small part, to herself". In her view, it’s "almost like a sanity valve".

The royal expert continued, "Life as a royal is so intense, so strange, so scrutinised that just to be able to unscrew your lid once or twice a month and let all that steam out and just be yourself without the prying eyes of the world on you must keep her very balanced."

All of this makes Queen Camilla’s choice to have her birthday photo taken there more significant - and understandable - to me. It’s a haven for her where she can be independent and just "Camilla" and this confidence and happiness comes across so well in Chris Getty’s picture.

This is a pattern she’s established for high profile snaps and she seems to be sticking with it. Aside from this picture and her Country Life cover, Chris also took Queen Camilla’s 75th birthday picture there and another with her beloved late dog Beth.

Queen Camilla loves her luxury accessories, whether it’s her timeless Chanel handbag or the blue agate Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet she’s rarely seen without. However, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t enjoy wearing much more affordable options too.

Her latest handbag was a gorgeous find from one of our favourite premium high street brands, Rixo, and it screams summer with its raffia design. Woven bags complement summer dresses perfectly and she wore hers with an electric blue Anna Valentine frock as she unveiled the new RHS and BBC Radio 2’s Dog Garden at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

The Queen has been Patron of the charity since 2016 and her outfit was elegant but low-key. Her bag is the £145 Milana Raffia Bag in the cream colourway and it’s handcrafted by skilled artisans.

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Made from raffia, it’s got floral detailing across the centre which makes it feel extra summery and feminine. The tone of Queen Camilla’s bag is not only very classic for raffia bags, but very versatile too, as it works with any other shade.

This is something woman&home’s Digital Fashion Ecommerce Editor, Caroline Parr, believes is a major plus for this bag style.

"You'll no doubt know Rixo for their beautiful occasion dresses, but you might not be as familiar with their accessories," she says. "Two of my favourite summer bags are from Rixo, and the best thing about this raffia style is that it will go with absolutely everything in your summer capsule wardrobe. The plaited straps and floral detailing on this artisanal bag are stunning!"

If you’re looking to invest in a gorgeous new handbag for the season I would recommend keeping to a neutral colour palette for this reason. To get even more wear out of your bag, it’s worth picking one that’s roomy enough for your essentials but not so bulky it looks out of place as an evening accessory.

Her Majesty’s Rixo Milana bag ticks that box perfectly and I can imagine her packing it for her annual summer break next month, as well as carrying it at other engagements. Raffia and straw accessories bring a beachy feel to an outfit without being really casual.

You can use them to make your ensembles feel seasonal and they’re simple enough to work with different levels of formality, from your best wedding guest dresses to shorts and a T-shirt.

Queen Camilla has been spotted carrying this several times and typically styles it with a blue midi dress and neutral heels, just like she did at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. This is her uniform in the warmer months and it was delightfully chic for this visit.

The Dog Garden was designed by Monty Don for Chelsea Flower Show, with the idea of it being a blueprint for all the things dogs love. It’s a calming space for rescue dogs and Queen Camilla got to meet some adorable canines - one of whom looked as interested in her handbag are I am!

Queen Camilla's son has shared the simple, four-word motto that she uses to keep calm and carry on whenever things go "bad".

Speaking on the White Wine Question Time podcast, Camilla's son Tom Parker Bowles revealed that his mum always says, "You have to laugh," whenever anything unexpected or challenging pops up in her life.

According to Tom, his mum believes that "you have to be able to laugh at things" rather than let them overwhelm or upset you, as it simply makes them easier to deal with.

"If you can't laugh about certain things, that's what's kept her going, I think, a sense of humour," he explained.

He added that their tight family unit was a source of "power" for his mum, and they always made sure to be there for her when she needed.

"Whenever things got bad, we just pulled back together like the Roman centurions moving into their tortoise formation with the shields around," he said, adding that it "was important" for his mum as she faced public criticism around her relationship with her husband, King Charles.

Tom also detailed how his mother had never planned to become Queen Consort, but just fell in love with someone who happened to sit first in the royal line of succession at the time they met.

"My mother, as The Queen now, is doing a magnificent job, we're all incredibly proud of her," he said, adding that "not in a million years” did he ever think his mother would be part of the monarchy - let alone right at the head of it.

“As I've said before, you know, with my mother, it was never her aim. It was just a story of two people who loved each other," he said. “And as you get older, you're happy that your father's happy, that your mother's happy, that your stepfather is happy. You know, that's what matters."

The Royal Family’s outfits always attract a lot of attention, and whilst many people might have been admiring Queen Camilla’s animal-printed dress at Wimbledon I was focused on her footwear. You can completely transform an outfit with your choice of shoes and it’s easy to forget how much of an impact they have.

Your best white trainers can instantly make smart summer dresses look more low-key thanks to their sportiness and heels elevate jeans and a T-shirt. Queen Camilla for court shoes on Day 10 of Wimbledon and we’ve seen this pair before.

Her Majesty champions a lot of British clothing brands but she’s also partial to Chanel accessories. These luxurious heels with their black toe cap are a firm favourite of hers.

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Chanel is known for their contrasting toe-cap ballet flats and Queen Camilla’s Wimbledon shoes are a similar shape, just with a block heel. They’re made from suede and satin and looked effortlessly elegant with her white patterned shirt dress.

The Queen had already had a busy day before arriving courtside at SW19 as she and King Charles attended a reception at Buckingham Palace to celebrate 40 years of artists accompanying royal overseas visits. The couple also bid an official farewell to French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte at Windsor Castle.

Interestingly, Queen Camilla previously wore these dreamy Chanel court shoes when she and the King undertook their State Visit to France in 2023. Perhaps her choice of French-designed shoes was a nod to their guests, but either way she clearly finds them very comfortable.

They saw her right through the morning to her arrival at Wimbledon to enjoy an afternoon of tennis. Block heeled court shoes like these are worth adding to your summer capsule wardrobe for those times when you want extra elevation without reaching for stilettos.

The chunky shape means you have more stability and if you really want to follow in Her Majesty’s stylish footsteps, go for some court shoes with a toe cap. This design remains popular regardless of seasonal trends and you can choose colours that you’ll get the most wear out of.

Queen Camilla’s Chanel shoes are beige and black, which is a big contrast. Yet because these are both neutral colours, the final effect is still quite understated.

At Wimbledon, the senior royal wore them with a white printed dress and in France her outfit was also white. However, we’ve also seen her pair them with a pale green dress at Ascot last month and with a black and white polka dot dress for the Big Lunch at Eden Dock.

The two-colour pumps looked great with each of these ensembles and shows you don’t have to worry too much about clashing. Alternatively, you can also find similar designs that are white and black, or where the toe cap is the same colour as the rest of the shoe.

While the late Queen Elizabeth was known for her unmistakable love of color and bright ensembles, it seems that Queen Camilla is keen to make striking jewelry her signature - and this was on full display at Royal Ascot this year.

Royal Ascot certainly didn’t disappoint this summer with its array of regal outfits, from Zara Tindall's blue trouser suit to Carole Middleton's take on butter yellow. But arguably no one brought the glamour and the prestige quite like Queen Camilla – and there’s some hidden details behind one of her pieces that make her appearance one for the history books.

Royal fans and jewelry historians alike were given a magnificent surprise on the fifth and final day of the races, when Her Majesty unveiled a gem that hadn’t been seen since 1936. That’s right, not even Queen Elizabeth II had worn this piece in public throughout her 70-year reign.

The historic piece in question is the Rothschild Brooch, which Queen Camilla paired with a white, long-sleeved, V-neck dress and a black hat adorned with white flowers and ribbon. The Rothschild Brooch is noted for its striking design, including a triple-loop bow made from diamonds, a round diamond floral pendant that conceals a watch, and a diamond chain from which it hangs.

The diamond piece’s provenance dates back to 1893, when Queen Mary, the grandmother of Queen Elizabeth, was gifted the item for her wedding to King George V. It was later worn by the Queen Mother, when she was the Duchess of York, but hadn’t been seen in public since 1936.

"King Charles and Queen Camilla attend all five days of Royal Ascot 2025 and it was intriguing that Her Majesty chose to wear such a special brooch that has been out of the spotlight for so long," says Emma Shacklock, Digital Royal Editor at woman&home.

Emma adds, "King Charles was incredibly close to his grandmother, so any jewelry that's got an association with her has a special significance for him and Queen Camilla. Her engagement ring once belonged to the Queen Mother, after all."

So many appearances meant five different iconic pieces of jewelry from Her Majesty, including a brooch set with the incomparable Cullinan V diamond – the 18.8 carat heart-shaped stone first worn in the coronation crown of Queen Mary that became a favorite brooch of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Rothschild Brooch and the Cullinan V weren't the only masterpieces worn by the Queen, though. On the second day, she wore the sentimental Cambridge Cluster Emerald and Diamond Brooch, worn by Queen Elizabeth II for her Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1997 as well as several other important occasions.

Day three saw the Jardine Star Brooch get an outing. A late-Victorian piece with a mysterious backstory – the maker of the brooch and the identity of Lady Jardine remain unknown – it's famous for its shape, taking that of a star, made from over 30 round-cut diamonds, and a central floral motif.

The Raspberry Pip brooch, originally from Queen Elizabeth II's private collection, was worn on her fourth appearance. The piece is shaped like a Georgian cross and made from clear, topaz stones and scintillating diamonds.

Jewelry experts Steven Stone valued the Rothschild Brooch at an approximate $108,000, and calculated the entire value of Her Majesty’s Ascot jewels at $2.28M.

The Royal Family’s annual summer break might be looming, but July is yet another busy month before they enjoy some well-earned time out of the spotlight. On 1st July the final Garden Party of the year was held at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland and Princess Anne joined the King and Queen for it.

This wasn’t a surprise to me given her hard-working nature and history of attending this particular Garden Party. What did immediately catch my eye was her electric blue outfit - and just how similar the colour was to Queen Camilla’s.

Standing behind her sister-in-law on the Palace steps whilst the National Anthem played, you can just make out Princess Anne in pictures and her jacket perfectly blended in with Her Majesty’s Fiona Clare dress. In many people’s eyes, this ensemble would be something of a faux pas.

After all, when many of us are deciding what to wear to a wedding, the races or a special party we often consult other guests to avoid looks that are too similar. At a wedding, the last thing you want to do (other than wear white) is match the bridesmaids’ outfit colour.

Queen Camilla is the most senior woman within the Royal Family and usually stands out at major occasions in a hue that her fellow royals steer clear of. At one of the Buckingham Palace Garden Parties in May, Her Majesty wore a turquoise dress whilst Duchess Sophie wore a green and white floral number and the Princess Royal was in a blue coat and dress with a metallic lilac sheen.

This is why it was so unexpected to see Princess Anne in a royal blue hat and jacket alongside Queen Camilla in Scotland. Speaking previously, the Duchess of Edinburgh explained that the late Queen Elizabeth wore bright colours precisely so she could be immediately noticeable.

"She needs to stand out for people to be able to say, ‘I saw the Queen,’" the Duchess said on the Our Queen at Ninety documentary. "Don’t forget that when she turns up somewhere, the crowds are two, three, four… ten to fifteen deep, and someone wants to be able to say they saw a bit of the Queen’s hat as she went past."

At the Holyroodhouse Garden Party, Queen Camilla’s hat alone would not have necessarily been enough to distinguish whether you were glimpsing her or Princess Anne from a distance as their headpieces were so similar in tone.

For all anyone knows, Princess Anne deliberately checked with Queen Camilla about her choice of outfit before the party and got the royal seal of approval. If so, this shows how relaxed Her Majesty is about these fashion traditions.

Queen Elizabeth reportedly used to have a clever way of avoiding coordination at formal occasions, as claimed by Carrie Johnson, the wife of former British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. Posting on Instagram on the first anniversary of the monarch’s passing, Carrie shared a picture of a note that was allegedly left on her pillow when the couple stayed at Balmoral.

"Ma’am, Her Majesty will be wearing an ice blue cocktail dress for dinner this evening," the note declared.

It’s a simple but effective method - decide in advance what you’re wearing and let people know so they can ensure their outfit is different. This hack might still be used by Queen Camilla for certain events, but perhaps not ahead of Royal Garden Parties.

While meeting with the founder of Queen Camilla's go-to footwear brand, King Charles proved he pays attention to his wife's wardrobe choices - and the reason why is so sweet.

Despite a busy week of engagements that included the iconic Trooping The Colour parade to mark his public birthday, King Charles made time to meet with the winners of The King's Award. Amongst those winners was Lisa Kay, who is the founder of Queen Camilla's favourite footwear brand, Sole Bliss.

Lisa received The King's Award for Enterprise and, when meeting with the King, spoke with him about his wife's love for their shoes. "Her Royal Highness has purchased our shoes, so hopefully she finds them comfortable," she said to him, according to the Daily Mail.

The monarch's response to Lisa proved he clearly pays close attention to her likes and dislikes when it comes to her shoe collection.

"She likes a heel that's not too narrow," he said, with Lisa telling him that the style Camilla goes for is a block heel. The King responded, "Yes, a block heel!"

As well as being a trendy style of shoe that balances contemporary with a classic and timeless look, block heels are notoriously easier to walk in than higher, more narrow stiletto styles. Just as King Charles said, the block heels are wider, which provides more stability and comfort for the wearer.

And he revealed that it's this comfort that his wife enjoys. "It gets a bit harder to walk in heels as you get older," he said.

woman&home's Fashion Ecommerce Editor Caroline Parr says: "As well as Queen Camilla, British brand Sole Bliss can count the likes of Helen Mirren and Julia Roberts as fans. And it's easy to see why - it's one of the few shoe labels that really puts your feet first."

Camilla is thought to own multiple pairs of Sole Bliss shoes, with her collection growing since she first wore a pair of heels from the brand back in 2018. Seeing her in the shoes was a shock for founder Lisa, as she only launched Sole Bliss the year before, and had no idea Camilla had brought a pair.

The Queen Consort now been spotted wearing them more then 80 times over the past seven years, making them an even more prominent style of footwear than Kate Middleton's favourite white trainers and her go-to wedges that are a summer must-have.

Lisa founded Sole Bliss after struggling to find shoes that were comfortable to wear with bunions and wider feet, and she said that they really are the perfect shoe brand for royalty - though anyone can benefit from the comfort they provide.

"Women generally just need comfort, so you're not thinking about your feet, you're thinking about where you are and what you're doing. It's for every job really – but especially royalty," she said, as per Marie Claire.

Speaking about meeting the King at the Award's reception, she added, "Walking through Windsor Castle to receive this honour from The King, knowing that my shoes have walked these same corridors on Queen Camilla's feet dozens of times, felt like the ultimate full-circle moment."

The Queen stepped out in the Italian capital wearing a beautiful Fiona Clare polka dot midi dress with a contrasting white collar. As soon as we saw this outfit we couldn’t help but be reminded of the Princess of Wales’s iconic navy spotted dress from 2019.

Kate has been a fan of this classic print for many years and plenty of her go-to summer outfits are polka dot dresses. Her Alessandra Rich one also had a collar, but whilst this was a deep navy blue and white, Queen Camilla went for a monochrome look in Rome.

Her dress had a collared neckline, slightly puffed sleeves and the cuffs were trimmed with white fabric that mirrored the white collar and button placket at the front. It’s easy to forget sometimes that you don’t have to pack your spring capsule wardrobe full of bright coloured items to create an outfit with real impact.

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Her Majesty’s polka dot dress was striking, but understated too. The shirt dress silhouette was timeless and unfussy, allowing the pattern to take centre stage.

If you’re not confident wearing different prints, then polka dots are a good place to start as they’re remarkably versatile. Polka dot designs often come in very neutral colourways like black and white or navy and white, which pair easily with other hues.

You can also elevate a polka dot dress, jumpsuit or trousers with heels and a clutch to make a gorgeous wedding guest outfit, or add a pair of your best white trainers and raffia accessories for a low-key summer look. They work so well no matter how formally or casually you style them and Queen Camilla went for smarter accessories in Rome.

This isn’t a surprise given that she was visiting a local school as part of her and King Charles’s four day State Visit to Italy. The senior royal brought out her favourite blue agate Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet and carried a beige Bottega Veneta shoulder bag.

Her shoes were a similar shade and had a low heel that provided some elevation without compromising too much on comfort. She could also have gone for black or white accessories if she’d wanted to coordinate with her polka dot dress.

Alternatively, a bright handbag or shoes would be a fun choice too. When the Princess of Wales wore her collared Alessandra Rich dress for a visit to Bletchley Park in 2019, she went for blue court shoes to match her outfit.

Her clutch bag was a deep navy and her pretty pearl earrings echoed the white polka dots. The contrasting collar and cuffs gave it a smart edge, just like the collar on Queen Camilla’s dress did.

Kate has a number of other polka dot pieces in her wardrobe and many of them are also navy and white. However, the white and brown dress she wore to Royal Ascot and the rust-toned one she stepped out in back in 2022 are also stunning examples of how elegant polka dots can be.

Clearly, Queen Camilla agrees and it was lovely to see her wearing Kate’s favourite pattern this month.

I never expected the King and Queen’s 20th wedding anniversary to go unmarked, but the way they honoured this occasion was even more moving than I’d imagined. Not only did the couple release new official photos taken by Chris Jackson during their trip to Italy, but they’ve now posted a video too.

This features an array of different photos, starting with their wedding day and then moving throughout the past two decades to recent snaps. It’s a heartfelt tribute to their relationship and I think Queen Camilla’s choice of brooch in one picture was particularly significant.

Before the video starts to play - and as it ends - we see the same photo of King Charles and Queen Camilla sitting in front of the Neronian spur of the Aqua Claudia, an Ancient Roman aqueduct. This was one of the three snaps released the day before their anniversary.

In them, Her Majesty is wearing an Anna Valentine beige and white coat dress and has a Lily of the Valley brooch pinned to it. It’s a beautiful piece of jewellery that reportedly once belonged to the Queen Mother, but the layers of meaning behind it send a subtle statement too.

Lilies of the Valley are often considered to be a symbol of enduring love. This couldn’t be more fitting to be included in both the 20th anniversary pictures and the video.

During the Victorian Era, where the language of flowers attributed meanings to different blooms, the lily of the valley was associated with a "return to happiness". This takes on even more significance given the challenging past year King Charles and Queen Camilla have had as the monarch received his cancer diagnosis.

However, it also caught my eye as a special jewellery choice for Her Majesty to make because she had them in her wedding bouquet. It’s possible she chose them precisely because of the dual meaning - enduring love and return to happiness - especially as this was a second marriage for both of them and these sentiments tie in perfectly.

We know that so much thought goes into every aspect of royal weddings, as well as into what clothes the senior royals wear for high-profile pictures and engagements. I would be very surprised if Queen Camilla opted for the lily of the valley brooch without at least reflecting on what it represents and when she’s worn it before.

The link back to their wedding day 20 years ago is nostalgic detail that could easily go unnoticed in the King and Queen’s anniversary pictures and video.

However, I suspect it means a lot to Queen Camilla and it sends a sweet message about her love for King Charles. The royal couple are celebrating their anniversary on 9th April during their four-day state visit to Italy.

In the caption alongside their pictures they revealed they were "so looking forward" to marking the day in "such a special place - and with such wonderful people".

King Charles and Queen Camilla will spend the evening of their big day by attending a State Banquet. Although I would necessarily expect to see Her Majesty wearing a tiara, she will probably step out in some sentimental jewellery.

After briefly pausing in-person engagements last spring, His Majesty resumed his royal schedule and is set to undertake his first state visit of 2025 this month.

This high-profile trip to Italy with Queen Camilla comes just a few weeks after he spent a short period of time in hospital on 27th March. Buckingham Palace confirmed at the time that King Charles had experienced temporary side effects during his ongoing cancer treatment.

The Palace cancelled his public engagements the following day and a source described this as the "most minor bump" in a road that’s "heading in the right direction". Now royal expert Phil Dampier has suggested that King Charles should "cut down his workload".

Speaking to The Sun, Phil claimed that one person might be able to convince the hard-working monarch - Queen Camilla. He believes that her influence might be key in getting King Charles to "pace himself" a little more.

"King Charles has always worked hard and is renowned for burning midnight oil and even falling asleep at his desk working so many hours. But those days must be a thing of the past and it’s vital he looks after his health and cuts down his workload," he said.

Phil continued, "He needs to pace himself - which the Queen has said he is hopeless at doing - and she is probably the only person he will listen to."

Whether or not she succeeds, Queen Camilla revealed last year that King Charles wasn’t keen on taking things a little slower. At the second annual Queen’s Reading Room Festival she told author Lee Child that her husband was "doing fine", but "won’t slow down" and won’t "do what he’s told".

It seems that she has reportedly been able to advise him to change some of his ways, though. The King famously prefers to skip lunch so he can work through, but The Mail on Sunday alleged last October that he has started to eat something "on the orders of his wife, aides and doctors".

'With some reluctance, he now has something to eat at lunchtime - a snack, really. He now eats half an avocado to sustain him through the day. It's important, particularly if you have got an illness," an insider claimed.

An avocado is one of Queen Camilla’s favourite snacks too and pausing to eat some form of lunch means King Charles likely has more of a break from his work. As well as possibly encouraging him to “slow down”, Her Majesty has been a pillar of strength for him in recent months, personally and professionally.

She took on more engagements after his diagnosis was announced and was a reassuring presence for the public. Royal author and correspondent, Katie Nicholl recently told OK! that Queen Camilla can expertly navigate tough times like this.

Katie said, “There is clearly a rod of steel that runs through her. She is so strong, so resilient. She also has a great sense of herself and an ability to overcome all sorts of adversity. Those are the qualities you really see in her when the going gets tough - and it did get tough last year.”

“Not only was she having to care for King Charles, but she also had to stand in for him and carry out engagements on his behalf. And she had to reassure the public that their King was okay,” the expert added.

Queen Camilla’s son Tom Parker Bowles has shared an insight into her no-nonsense approach and what she'd "never" make.

Royals appearing on podcasts isn’t nearly as rare as it used to be and these special episodes give us fascinating insights every time. Whether they’re talking about parenthood like the Princess of Wales did on the Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast or sport like he, Prince William and Princess Anne did on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby, it’s a great way to show their personalities and share anecdotes. Whilst we’ve yet to hear King Charles or Queen Camilla record a podcast episode, Her Majesty’s son has opened up about his mum on the latest episode of Table Manners with Jessie & Lennie Ware.

The foodie series has previously had Princess Eugenie as a guest and restaurant critic Tom and wine expert Henry Jeffreys joined the Wares this month. During their chat, Tom debunked any suggestion that Queen Camilla isn’t a good cook and shared fond memories of her fuss-free approach in the kitchen.

Asked by Lennie if the Queen still cooks for her son, Tom responded that - very understandably - this doesn’t happen "so much anymore". He then thought back to what it was like for his mum raising two children in Wiltshire in the 1970s and 1980s.

"You know it wasn’t like my dad would cook. He was there at the weekends," the food critic explained. "She was… Everyone can say ‘Oh you make it up’ , but it’s totally untrue, she was a good cook but she wasn’t a recipe follower."

Tom praised Her Majesty’s scrambled eggs, salads and, perhaps most importantly, her roast chicken. Sunday roasts are a classic British dish that many of us look forward to and Queen Camilla can apparently make a mean roast chicken, albeit without any frills or fuss.

"I suppose it would be - and I bang on about it so much - but it is my mum's roast chicken," he said after being questioned about a memorable childhood dish. "It’s that thing that, she would never give you a recipe. How did you cook it? Well, you just cook it. And then she would never make gravy. She’d cut off that fatty bit - you know the big that hangs over - and put it on the top and then she’d pour all the juices over your chicken. You know, and there’d be a baked potato. And that was it."

For some people a roast without gravy would be unimaginable but in their household, Tom shared, you "didn’t have a choice growing up… you had lunch or dinner at that was it".

It seems that Her Majesty liked to keep things simple when she was cooking for her children and nothing has really changed. In 2022 she and Tom did an interview for You magazine. In it, Queen Camilla admitted that she still enjoys cooking for herself when she is at her Wiltshire home, but doesn’t overcomplicate things.

Instead she likes making dishes like fish "en papillote with butter and herbs" and vegetables. Baking isn’t her forte and it’s interesting Tom mentioned her making baked potatoes with her roasts as she’s had a few disasters with them in the past.

"I could fill a book with all my cooking disasters. I’m not a natural baker, to say the least," Queen Camilla declared. "As for baked potatoes… Many a poor, incinerated specimen has been found in the bottom of the Aga, put in, then forgotten about."

Queen Camilla's striking Van Cleef earrings brought a beautiful pop of spring-ready colour to her pinafore dress and frilled blouse blend, with a practical and chic pair of knee high boots finishing off her outfit perfectly.

We weren't sold on jewel tones for spring until we saw Kate Middleton’s green St Patrick’s day outfit, and now Queen Camilla has reinforced just how perfect rich and bold emeralds can be for the season - so we're definitely incorporating the colour into our spring capsule wardrobes.

Visiting Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland on Friday 21 March, she brought a sophisticated touch to the trending spring frills look by pairing her puffed sleeve, pie collar blouse with an A-line, emerald green pinafore dress. She finished off the outfit with some practical black knee high boots, while her choice of malachite Magic Alhambra earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels introduced a beautifully bold spring colour to the look.

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With the long, gently puffed sleeves and frilled pie collar of her blouse peeking out of the sophisticated emerald green midi dress, the two layers complemented each other beautifully and the shirt added a spring-ready touch and more casual feel to the formal fit and flare style.

The white blouse also brightened up the rich, deep green shade which further added to that bright, spring-like feel and the floating sleeves looked stunning against the structured though flowing midi-length skirt.

Dressing up the pinafore-style dress, Camilla finished off her outfit with a trusty pair of black knee high boots. Made from a soft suede and with a slightly rouched silhouette, the footwear bought in a lovely pop of texture and also some added warmth, which is vital in these early days of spring even if we would rather be wearing sandals and transitioning into other spring/summer trends for 2025.

Recreating Camilla's outfit, you could easily swap out the boots for a pair of your best white trainers when the weather gets a bit warmer, or our fashion editor's favourite Zara sandals would work perfectly to finish off this look in the middle of summer.

While Camilla's entire outfit is a masterclass in sophisticated spring styling, the standout element of her look is undoubtedly her jewellery. With a bold and bright turquoise colour, her Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra earrings in their iconic two motif design bring a stunning colourful accent to her jewel-toned dress and we love the striking turquoise shade.

We would all love a pair of these earrings, wouldn't we? While Selfridges stock Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra stud earrings starting at £2,310, luckily for us, there are an array of turquoise clover-shaped earrings available online and they make for beautiful high-street alternatives.

Queen Camilla has said a "sad farewell" to a "much-loved" companion and has shared several snapshots of precious memories.

Just like Queen Elizabeth’s corgis, Queen Camilla’s canine companions have been her faithful companions for many years and on 18th November she shared the very sad news that her beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Beth, has passed away. Posting a series of special pictures and a video of Beth with Queen Camilla and King Charles, the Royal Family’s Instagram account announced her passing with a "sad farewell" message to the adorable little dog.

"A sad farewell to Beth, The Queen’s much-loved companion from @Battersea Dogs and Cats Home who brought such joy, whether on walkies, helping on official duties, or curled up by the fire," the caption declared.

Queen Camilla adopted Beth from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2011 when the Jack Russell was just a few months old. Since then she went on to become a much-loved member of the family and even joined Her Majesty at an important engagement back at Battersea in 2020. Beth was given the honour of officially unveiling a plaque to mark the opening of new kennels by pulling back the curtain and this delightful moment was captured in a video shared in the Instagram post.

King Charles’s bond with Beth was also celebrated in this announcement post and was seen nose-to-nose with her in the third of its sweet pictures, following snaps of Queen Camilla and Beth walking in the countryside, and of her with Her Majesty and the late Paul O'Grady.

As reported by Sky News, Chief Executive of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Peter Laurie has expressed sadness at the recent news and expressed sympathy for both the King and Queen at this sad time.

"Her Majesty, our patron, rehomed Beth from Battersea in 2011 and we have many fond memories of Beth visiting our centres over the years," he said. "Our thoughts are with Their Majesties at this time, we know how difficult it is to lose a beloved pet and Beth was very special indeed."

Beth and Queen Camilla’s other rescue dog, Bluebell, were both immortalised forever in the delicate detailing on the Queen’s coronation gown designed by Bruce Oldfield. Although not everyone will have noticed the embroidered decoration at the time, two golden dogs could be seen more clearly either side at the bottom of her dress when she was seated and are believed to have been in tribute to Beth and Bluebell.

Queen Camilla will likely be feeling the loss of Beth deeply and previously explained in the 2022 book, Dogs: A British Love Affair, as per The Telegraph, that she "couldn’t imagine" life without Beth and Bluebell.

"Beth came from a family who could no longer care for her and poor Bluebell had been found abandoned in the woods, three weeks old, starving, covered in sores, with a docked tail and just a few patches of fur. Battersea nursed her back to health and I fell in love with her when I visited their brilliant centre in 2012," she wrote. "They are both colourful characters - and now I cannot imagine my life, my home or my sofas without them," she wrote.

Queen Camilla’s "sad farewell" to Beth was incredibly heartfelt and will no doubt resonate hugely with fellow dog-lovers as she looks back on precious memories with her.

King Charles and Queen Camilla haven’t moved royal residences since becoming King and Queen and their current London home holds so many special memories for the monarch.

Whilst Buckingham Palace might have been the primary London residence of monarchs for generations, King Charles broke this tradition after becoming King in 2022. Although it’s been suggested that he and Queen Camilla will move into Buckingham Palace after the extensive renovations have been completed there, for the moment they still live at the same home they’ve loved for decades. Like Gatcombe Park where Princess Anne lives and the Prince and Princess of Wales’s Adelaide Cottage, Their Majesties’ London residence isn’t the only home they spend time in.

However, it is one of the most well-known and King Charles and Queen Camilla have often shared glimpses inside Clarence House. It’s also got a very sentimental history to it as it and here we reveal all the details you need to know about where King Charles and Queen Camilla live.

Where do King Charles and Queen Camilla live?

King Charles and Queen Camilla live at Clarence House in London and it’s located very conveniently for undertaking engagements and attending events when they’re in the capital. Of course, it’s not Their Majesties’ only residence and they also love spending time at their countryside home, Highgrove House, as well as their Scottish home Birkhall. However, for the moment Clarence House is their primary London home until the time comes where they might potentially move into Buckingham Palace - which remains their official London residence.

Even if this does happen, it’s thought that King Charles and Queen Camilla probably won’t be making the move until at least 2027 as the Buckingham Palace reservicing programme is set to be completed that year. King Charles and Queen Camilla are understood to have lived at Clarence House since 2003 and it’s described by the Royal Family’s website as being the last great London house to be maintained in the purpose for which it was built.

Clarence House is located beside St James’s Palace and was built between 1825 and 1827. It was designed by John Nash for Prince William Henry, Duke of Clarence, who went on to become King William IV. It was this monarch who also had Prince William and Kate’s home, Adelaide Cottage, built for his wife Queen Adelaide a few years later.

Throughout its history Clarence House has been the home of several other generations of royals, including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip after they married in 1947. Prince William and Prince Harry also once lived at Clarence House until they moved out into Kensington Palace in 2011 and 2012 respectively.

However, it was perhaps most well-known prior to King Charles and Queen Camilla moving in as the former residence of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. She lived there from 1953 until she passed away in 2002 and the Royal Family’s website suggests that the arrangement of the rooms and the way their contents are grouped remains recognisably as they were in the Queen Mother’s time.

This includes having a lot of her art and furniture collection being kept in their former positions. King Charles is understood to have been incredibly close to his grandmother and spent a lot of time with her at Clarence House.

On 4th August 2021 the Clarence House Instagram account paid tribute to the Queen Mother on what would've been her 121st birthday and shared two pictures taken there, including one of a display of photos and a silver vase with rosemary that was given to the Queen Mother as a gift on her 100th birthday. The second depicted her with King Charles, Princess Anne and baby Prince Andrew in the gardens at Clarence House.

Whilst the King clearly wanted to keep a lot of details similar to how they were during his grandmother’s lifetime, Clarence House also underwent extensive refurbishment and decoration to prepare for him to move in. Most rooms had the colour schemes adjusted and new textiles were introduced, with artwork added in too. These alterations were designed to reflect the change of occupancy, while maintaining the familiar atmosphere of a much-loved family house.

Where is Clarence House and how far is it to Buckingham Palace?

They might not yet permanently live at Buckingham Palace, but King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Clarence House home is only a four minute drive away down The Mall. This is very convenient whenever they are required to be at Buckingham Palace for certain engagements or events like Trooping the Colour.

The short distance between these two royal residences was made incredibly clear on Prince William and Kate’s wedding day in April 2011 when the groom drove his new wife back to Clarence House from Buckingham Palace in King Charles’s beautiful blue Aston Martin.

Who owns Clarence House?

King Charles and Queen Camilla don’t privately own Clarence House and it’s instead owned by the Crown, but as monarch King Charles has the right to live there. This is similar to many other iconic royal residences, with certain exceptions like the estate where Sandringham House is and Balmoral which are privately owned by the monarch personally, rather than by right of being Sovereign.

How many bedrooms does Clarence House have?

Clarence House is understood to have five bedrooms which might come as a surprise to some people, who could have imagined it having even more given that it is the primary residence of the King and Queen.

It also has a drawing room with a fireplace, a morning room with personal photos, artwork and antiques on display and other principle rooms which are used for receptions and when King Charles and Queen Camilla officially entertain guests.

Unlike Bagshot Park where Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward live, King Charles and Queen Camilla don’t keep their home incredibly private as they use it so much for official duties. King Charles also previously allowed Google Arts and Culture to take 360-degree imagery of the inside of his home, in order to allow the public to take a look at the extensive royal art collection in his luxury home.

The tour, created to mark his 70th birthday back in 2018, allows users to look inside the King's garden room, dining room, library, entrance hall, corridor, and the Lancaster and Morning room. The tour also allows royal fans a sneak peek into some of King Charles's private collection of photographs and of a selection of three watercolours painted by the monarch himself.

King Charles's former communications secretary, Julian Payne, revealed that His Majesty and his household worked closely with Google to create this function.

"I have to say the [then] prince was fascinated by the opportunity that arts and culture provides to connect people to museums, other cultural institutions and provide access which they wouldn't necessarily otherwise have, and so he was very taken with its potential," Julian said, as per The Standard.

He added, "So when we received the invitation to develop the site for the prince he was honoured and I think fascinated by what could be done for the charities more than anything else, but also understood to share things like the artwork in Clarence House."

Is Clarence House open to the public?

Clarence House is currently closed to visitors and though it used to be open to the public, this only used to be during the summer months. Visitors weren’t allowed access to the entire property. Instead, you could have a guided tour of five of the most historic rooms on the ground floor of Clarence House and the adjoining spaces.

Queen Camilla has been tireless in her work to raise awareness of and put an end to domestic and sexual violence and an enlightening new ITV documentary has sparked a lot of important discussions in recent days.

Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors followed Queen Camilla over the course of her first year as Queen Consort, showing never-before-seen private meetings with survivors of domestic violence and those campaigning for change. The documentary opened with Queen Camilla sitting down at her home to deliver a powerful message about the terrifying reality of how many people are experiencing domestic violence and the importance of talking about it. Ahead of this, it was revealed that last year there were an estimated 2.1 million victims of domestic abuse in England and Wales.

"By scratching the surface you get a terrible shock," Queen Camilla declared. "It’s a heinous crime. If we could just get more people discussing it, talking about it, people are so shocked by what they hear, that, rather like me, they want to say, ‘Hang on a minute, perhaps there’s something we can help with to hopefully, in the end, put an end to it.’"

This is something that Queen Camilla has been striving to do since 2010 when she started working to raise awareness of violence against women. She later became Patron of SafeLives, a vital domestic abuse charity, in 2020. In the ITV documentary, viewers learnt how Queen Camilla first became involved in this important work when she arrived for a meeting on the Isle of Man with Diana Parkes, whose daughter Joanna Simpson was killed by her estranged husband in 2010.

It was hearing Diana’s story that inspired Queen Camilla to dedicate herself to raising awareness and Diana herself expressed this in the documentary, explaining, "She always says to me, ‘You are the one who made me want to get involved with domestic abuse."

"She’s an 80 year old grandmother and her daughter, who she loved dearly, was killed at the hands of such an evil perpetrator," said Queen Camilla. "I think she’s so strong because not many people would be able to survive the death of a daughter. I admire her more than I can say."

Both Diana and Joanna’s best friend Hetti Barkworth-Nanton reflected upon their memories of her. Hetti then went on to describe the connection between Diana and Queen Camilla as being on a "personal level" after they first met and the two grandmothers later discussed this important first meeting, which the Queen said was "engraved on [her] heart" forever. It took place at an event organised by SafeLives in 2016.

"I remember seeing you sitting there. And I thought, well, goodness, there’s somebody of my generation. I tried to put myself in your shoes. I thought to myself, well if it had been my daughter, I don’t think I’d have been able to sit and be as dignified and wonderful as you were that day," she said. "And then when Hetti got up and spoke, you could have heard a pin drop…. My reaction, I’m afraid, was to cry. And I looked round and there were a lot of police and a lot of quite hard-nosed journalists sitting round. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place."

This meeting had a profound impact upon Queen Camilla and the path she has taken with her royal work. She has been unwavering in her commitment to raising awareness of domestic violence and sexual violence and never shies away from shining a light on these issues. Earlier this year she hosted a reception to recognise those who support victims of sexual assault and expressed her desire to affect major change.

"Your stories and your experiences are vital tools as we seek to bring about change: to forge a world in which people, whoever and wherever they are, do not live in fear of being abused. As I have often heard victims say: speaking about the experience is one of the key ways to survive it. By sharing with one another today, we can strengthen our alliance against sexual abuse in all its forms," she declared.

If you or someone you know finds themselves in need of support or someone to talk to in a safe space, you can reach out to Rape Crisis England & Wales by calling 0808 500 2222 for free or visiting their website or reach out to Refuge by calling their National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 for free or by visiting their website.