King Charles visited Somerset House, meeting farming families and unveiling a plaque for its 25th anniversary. Queen Camilla celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Charles Dickens House Museum, sharing her love for Dickens’ work and engaging in emotional readings. Both royal engagements emphasised cultural and historical appreciation.
King Charles was in high spirits during his visit to Somerset House, where he met British farming families and attended the exhibition SOIL: The World at Our Feet. The King greeted guests with laughter, wearing a long navy coat that he later removed, revealing a dapper grey pin-striped suit. His visit marked Somerset House’s 25th anniversary, during which he unveiled a commemorative plaque.
Across town, Queen Camilla celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Charles Dickens House Museum. Dressed in blue, she expressed her ‘thrill’ for revisiting the author’s home, highlighting A Tale of Two Cities as her favourite work. During her tour led by Dickens’ great-great-grandson, she viewed heartfelt artefacts, including a portrait of Dickens and his manuscripts.
The Queen was visibly moved by the legacy of Dickens, especially when she visited the bedroom of his sister-in-law, Mary Hogarth. She commented on a nightgown still laid on a four-poster bed, reflecting on the tragedy of Dickens’ early experience with loss. Camilla also held onto a ring that once belonged to Hogarth, promising not to take it as she returned it.
Furthermore, Camilla enjoyed readings from A Christmas Carol by actors Simon Callow and Miriam Margolyes. She laughed as Callow shared anecdotes from Dickens’ life, showcasing the author’s charm. They read letters revealing Dickens’ personal, comedic experiences, illustrating the timeless relevance of his work.
The visits by King Charles and Queen Camilla to Somerset House and the Charles Dickens House Museum respectively reflect a celebration of British heritage. Charles’s engagement with farming families and Camilla’s emotional tribute to Dickens underscore the significance of literary and agricultural history in the UK. Their activities highlight both royal interest and personal connections to important cultural narratives.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk