Queen Camilla recently made a delightful public appearance at the Royal Voluntary Service’s festive spread lunch, where she shared a light-hearted update on her health. The 77-year-old queen, who had missed several royal engagements due to a bout of pneumonia, appeared in high spirits during the event.
When asked about her recovery, Camilla responded with a humorous three-word update: “I’m still standing.” This lighthearted comment, made during a conversation with Royal Voluntary Service volunteers Felicity Kendall and Elaine Paige, showcased the queen’s cheerful demeanor despite her recent health challenges.
Throughout the festive gathering, Queen Camilla took the time to speak with several guests, moving around the tables and personally wishing each group well. Her warm interactions demonstrated her genuine appreciation for those attending the lunch. She even visited and sat down with three different tables to share in the event’s spirit.
A standout moment of the lunch was when Camilla participated in the flambéing of a pudding, adding a touch of excitement to the celebration. The 10 kg pudding was presented to her for the final flambé moment, and Camilla, always ready with a witty remark, jokingly warned the guests, “Hold on to your hair,” before the pudding was lit.
Katherine Johnston, CEO of the Royal Voluntary Service, introduced Camilla during the flambéing process, making sure to involve the queen. Johnston told Camilla, “I’m going to do the lighting, you’re going to do the pouring,” and encouraged her to pour as much brandy as she liked while she handled the lighting. The queen followed the instructions closely, focusing intently and saying “Right, right” as she poured, which drew laughter from the audience. As the final touches were added to the pudding, Johnston playfully advised Camilla to step back for safety, saying, “I think it would be very sensible if ma’am could just stand back a bit.”
This lighthearted exchange added to the festive atmosphere and brought joy to the room, with the pudding setting ablaze in spectacular fashion. Queen Camilla’s involvement in the event, including the flambéing, was filled with laughter, showcasing her ability to engage with the guests and bring humor to the occasion. Despite her recent health issues, the queen’s upbeat attitude shone through, making it clear that she was delighted to be back participating in royal duties.
In addition to the fun moments, Queen Camilla delivered a short but heartfelt speech during the lunch, taking the opportunity to thank the volunteers and charity members for their invaluable work. She expressed, “Thank you all for all you do for the community. As I always say, this country would collapse without you.” Her words emphasized the vital role these volunteers play in supporting communities across the UK, and the queen’s gratitude was warmly received by those in attendance. Her speech highlighted her sincere admiration for their contributions, serving as a reminder of the critical work that volunteers do for society.
Overall, Queen Camilla’s appearance at the Royal Voluntary Service lunch was a success. She brought humor, warmth, and appreciation to the event, reminding everyone of the importance of community service. Her return to royal duties after a period of illness was met with enthusiasm, and her joyful spirit was a testament to her resilience and dedication.
