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.”
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.
