Queen Camilla of the Royal Family celebrated her 79th birthday today, and the Palace honored the occasion by releasing a new photo taken by royal photographer Chris Jackson in the State Drawing Room at Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland.
In the photo, Queen Camilla is seen wearing a stunning dark blue dress, complemented by a diamond and sapphire butterfly brooch that was presented to Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.
The Royal Family’s Instagram account shared the photo, extending birthday wishes to Her Majesty. The Prince and Princess of Wales also joined in sending their greetings to the Queen.
This special photo release coincided with an announcement highlighting the Queen’s commitment to enhancing children’s literacy. As part of this initiative, every Year 6 and P6 child in the UK will receive a special edition of the bestselling book “Impossible Creatures” by renowned author Katherine Rundell this Christmas.
The program, carried out in collaboration with the National Literacy Trust (NLT), of which the Queen is the Patron, will include a personalized message from Her Majesty in each book. The message will express the Queen’s enthusiasm for the book and encourage children to enjoy the fantasy tale.
Queen Camilla, a devoted reader, initiated the Queen’s Reading Room in January 2021, a platform that recommends new books monthly. She believes in the power of literature to transport readers to different realms of emotion and imagination.
Author Katherine Rundell expressed her gratitude for the Queen’s selection of “Impossible Creatures” as the Christmas gift for children, emphasizing the importance of shared stories and ideas in fostering understanding and joy.
Camilla’s dedication to promoting literacy and her transformative journey within the royal family have garnered respect and admiration from the public, disproving earlier doubts about her place in the monarchy.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond commended Queen Camilla’s resilience and enduring love for Prince Charles, acknowledging her evolution into a figure of widespread esteem and affection among the British populace.