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Royal News

Queen Camilla fulfils long held wish but it’s tinged with sadness as she recalls a much missed friend

By
11th October 2025
Queen Camilla walks through a sunny street in Italy during her State Visit

The Queen has fulfilled a long held wish as she arrived at a literary festival in one of the most famous stately homes in England.

Queen Camilla was at Cliveden for its now annual celebration of books and reading and as she opened this year’s festival, she revealed it had been on her must do list for several years.

Speaking at the start of the event, Her Majesty said ‘‘I always wanted to attend this Festival since it was founded in 2017, so I’m more than delighted to be here today! The unique mix of lively but respectful conversation, magical location and inspirational speakers has ensured that it has swiftly become part of the artistic landscape of our country.”

Queen Victoria wears the Diamond State Diadem and the Coronation necklace in a portrait painted in 1859

The stunning brooch that’s been worn by queens since Victoria

However, there was also a note of sadness in her speech as she recalled a friend who would also have loved the event. Just days after the death of Dame Jilly Cooper, Queen Camilla said ”she came to a party here a few years ago, when, I hope, she uttered her immortal line, “I’m going to get 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.”

The Cliveden Literary Festival has brought together some of the most famous and acclaimed authors writing today including Salman Rushdie, Anthony Horowitz and Alain de Botton.

Its programme includes a discussion about the enduring appeal of Jane Austen and a conversation with William Boyd.

Queen Camilla is known for her passion for literature and just a few weeks ago, took part in the Literary Festival hosted by her own Queen’s Reading Room.

She’s just returned from a visit to Scotland with King Charles where they marked the anniversary of the opening of the Albert Hall in Ballater named after Prince Albert.

Queen Victoria was on Queen Camilla’s mind as she arrived at Cliveden and she used words written in her famous diary to pay tribute to the house, noting ”it is a perfection of a place”.

The Cliveden Literary Festival runs on October 11 and 12 2025.

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About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra.Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024.June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station.June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.