Queen Camilla Crashes the Ultimate British Tourist Photo-Op

Queen Camilla’s Playful Visit to Dulwich Picture Gallery

Queen Camilla recently made a delightful royal visit to the Dulwich Picture Gallery in London, on Thursday, September 4, 2025. Her purpose was to assist in the grand opening of the new Artplay Pavilion and Sculpture Garden. The event was graced by a group of year two students from the nearby Dulwich Village Church of England Infants’ School, who accompanied her in testing out the new attractions. The children not only helped her cut the ribbon on the new exhibits but also engaged in a bit of fun with the Queen.

Despite her regal status, Queen Camilla, at 78 years old, displayed a sense of joy and playfulness during the official visit. The Artplay Pavilion and Sculpture Garden were specifically designed for children, making it a perfect setting for the Queen to interact with the young students. The premises of the gallery feature an original red telephone box, which holds historical significance. The design of the classic British K2 model phone boxes was inspired by the mausoleum at Dulwich Picture Gallery, a fact that added a touch of educational value to the visit.

During the visit, Queen Camilla suggested a playful activity to the children, asking them to see how many of them could fit inside the telephone booth. After successfully accommodating six children, she, too, decided to join in on the fun. The group also explored a new bridge and engaged in indoor activities. However, the Queen decided to opt-out of going down a creatively designed red slide, light-heartedly declining the invitation.

The children from Dulwich Village Infants’ School enjoyed a memorable day with the Queen, as shared on the school’s Instagram account. A highlight for them was the group of seven children, along with Queen Camilla, fitting inside the telephone booth. The school’s caption on the photos from the day reflected the excitement and appreciation for the unique experience they had at the gallery.

Following her summer break with King Charles at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, Queen Camilla resumed her royal duties. She visited her royal patronages in Cornwall earlier in the week, engaging with locals, charities, and commemorating the naming of a new rescue helicopter as “The Duke of Cornwall.” The title passed to Prince William in 2022 when King Charles ascended the throne.

Notably, Queen Camilla wasn’t the only royal with official engagements that day. Prince William and Kate Middleton also had a joint outing at the Natural History Museum’s transformed gardens. While the visit included educational tours and meetings with local schoolchildren, the highlight was Kate’s new hairstyle. The Princess of Wales debuted longer, highlighted tresses, marking a noticeable change from her previous brunette look.

Neville Tucker, a former royal hairstylist, commented on Kate’s transformation, predicting it to set a new trend. He noted that the shift to a blonder look was a significant change that could influence hairstyle choices across the board. Kate’s bold step towards a blonde hue was seen as a departure from the natural brunette trend she had previously championed.

In conclusion, Queen Camilla’s light-hearted visit to the Dulwich Picture Gallery provided a refreshing glimpse into the playful side of the royals. The interaction with the schoolchildren and exploration of the new attractions showcased a joyous and engaging experience for all involved. The day’s events served as a reminder of the importance of fostering creativity and fun, even within the confines of royal duties.