The Queen highlighted the much-discussed lake scene from the BBC’s adaptation of Pride and Prejudice during her visit to Chatsworth House for her annual literary festival. The reception at the Grade I listed stately home in Derbyshire marked the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. Camilla was welcomed by Lord William Burlington, chairman of The Chatsworth House Trust, before addressing guests in the Painted Hall, where she quipped about persuading him to re-enact Colin Firth’s memorable moment as Mr Darcy.
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In her speech, the Queen reflected on Austen’s enduring influence and praised the power of literature to inspire and connect. She noted that The Queen’s Reading Room, founded after the success of her pandemic-era Instagram book club, had grown into a global community. Now reaching over 12 million readers across 183 countries, the charity supports literary engagement and celebrates the transformative nature of books.
Camilla also referred to her own recent illness, apologising in advance in case her voice faltered, after she was forced to miss the Duchess of Kent’s funeral earlier in the week due to sinusitis. However, she had managed to fulfil her engagements during the state visit of US President Donald Trump. Dressed in a black polka dot dress by Fiona Clare, the Queen greeted a number of well-known figures, including author Gill Hornby, writer and presenter Richard Osman, and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, who later joined Hornby for a discussion on Austen’s life and work.
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During her visit, Camilla met people supported by The Elm Foundation, a domestic abuse charity, to discuss the role of reading as escapism and comfort. She also viewed personal artefacts connected to Austen, describing a first edition of Pride and Prejudice, once owned by Lady Caroline Lamb, as a “treasure”. Before departing, she added Austen’s works to the festival’s book donation station, expressed her temptation to stay for a film screening on the lawns, and spoke with Dame Jilly Cooper and actress Kathryn Drysdale.
