Queen Camilla and Princess Anne Arthur Edwards – WPA Pool/Getty Images
Queen Camilla was presented with a special honor by none other than her sister-in-law, Princess Anne.
Camilla, 77, was awarded an honorary doctorate of literature by The University of London on Wednesday, November 20. Anne, who serves as the school’s Chancellor, donned ceremonial robes to present the queen with her degree, which was given in recognition of Camilla’s work promoting literacy and literature across the U.K.
“As an avid reader, The Queen has a strong interest in highlighting the importance of literacy and has long been a supporter of literacy in the UK and across the Commonwealth,” the royal family’s website states. “Her Majesty has visited schools and libraries, as well as workplaces and prisons, to see the work of adult literacy schemes.”
Camilla was one of five honorees at Wednesday’s University of London’s Foundation Day, including Dr. Nahim Ahmed MBE (Honorary Doctorate of Science), Professor Sir Michael Arthur (Honorary Doctorate of Science), Anthony Neoh (Honorary Doctorate of Laws) and Abdul Fazal Bhanji OBE (Honorary Fellow).
Queen Camilla had a winding romantic journey before she settled down with King Charles III. Camilla and Charles were introduced by a pal when she became a debutante in London’s high society in 1965. The pair began to date in the 1970s before he had to leave for his Royal Navy service, and Camilla moved […]
Per the royal family’s website, honorary degrees have been handed out by the university since 1908 in celebration of its 1836 establishment. Previous royal recipients include King George V and Queen Mary — who were the Prince and Princess of Wales at the time, respectively — Winston Churchill, Judi Dench and T.S. Eliot.
Over the years, Camilla has been involved in many literary organizations over the years, including the National Literacy Trust, Coram Beanstalk, BookTrust and First Story. The royal has also launched her book club and established a charity, The Queen’s Reading Room, in 2021.
Queen Camilla is presented with an honorary doctorate of literature from the University of London by the University’s Chancellor, Princess Anne. Arthur Edwards – WPA Pool/Getty Images
Wednesday’s ceremony marked one of Camilla’s first public appearances since being diagnosed with a chest infection earlier this month. The royal skipped the monarchy’s Remembrance Day events on November 9 and 10 and the London premiere of Gladiator II on November 13 as a result of her illness.
While Camilla did not join her husband, King Charles III, at the film premiere, she was by his side earlier that day at a reception celebrating the Film and TV Charity. While speaking with the gala’s celebrity attendees, Charles, 76, took the chance to gush about Camilla’s new documentary, Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors, which premiered on ITV1 on November 11.
Getty Images (2) One of King Charles III’s goals upon assuming the throne after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died at age 96 in September 2022 was to slim down the monarchy. The mission raised eyebrows in January 2024 when both Charles and Princess Kate Middleton faced health challenges. Prince William canceled several appearances at […]
“It’s very moving, isn’t it?” Charles told Damian Lewis after the actor mentioned that he watched the film, per The Telegraph. “I think BAFTA [British Academy of Film and Television Arts] are interested in it.”
Charles went on to state that the documentary, which highlights Camilla’s work raising awareness about domestic violence and sexual abuse, made him quite emotional. “I am very proud of it. It reduced me to tears,” he added, per the outlet.
Camilla followed up her honorary degree award by hosting a reception for the winners of The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 at Buckingham Palace on Thursday, November 21.