Buckingham Palace has unveiled a new portrait of Queen Camilla in honour of her 79th birthday, which is celebrated on 17 July. The photograph was taken by royal photographer Chris Jackson during a visit to Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland on 20 May 2026, when she was accompanied by King Charles III.
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In the newly released portrait, Queen Camilla is seen adorned with a striking diamond and sapphire butterfly brooch, a piece that was originally given to Queen Elizabeth II in February 1977 during a visit to Birmingham. The photograph captures her elegance and connection to royal history, showcasing both her personality and her role within the Royal Family.
Significantly, this portrait comes shortly after a notable family reunion that took place at Highgrove House, during which she and King Charles reconnected with their son, Prince Harry, as well as Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle, and children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. This marked a rare gathering for the family and was the first time King Charles had seen his daughter-in-law and grandchildren in four years, following ongoing discussions regarding security concerns.
Alongside the celebratory portrait, Buckingham Palace announced that, to commemorate her birthday, Queen Camilla is giving a thoughtful gift to children across the UK. She will be donating copies of the bestselling book, “Impossible Creatures,” by Katherine Rundell, to school students in the 10-11 age range. This initiative is part of a broader campaign aimed at improving literacy and is aligned with the National Year of Reading 2026, which seeks to promote reading enthusiasm among the nation’s youth. The special editions of the book will be distributed towards the end of the year and will include a personal message from the Queen expressing her hope that the children enjoy the story.
Queen Camilla has been an outspoken advocate for literacy and reading throughout her public life, serving as the patron of numerous charities dedicated to these causes. Her own initiative, the Queen’s Reading Room, began as a podcast and has since expanded to include literary festivals promoting the joy of reading. Camilla’s efforts have contributed to a renewed focus on literacy, something many believe is crucial for both children and adults in the UK.
In April of this year, during a visit to New York City with King Charles, Camilla celebrated literature and literacy with notable personalities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Jenna Bush Hager at the city’s iconic Public Library. Parker expressed gratitude for the Queen’s efforts, emphasising the transformative power of reading and the relationships that develop between readers and books.
This commitment to literacy and reading has been widely praised, with various authors and educational leaders acknowledging Camilla’s impact. Author Cressida Cowell, who shared a stage with her during a school visit, highlighted the importance of addressing literacy in children. She noted the urgency surrounding access to libraries and the need to raise awareness about their significance in fostering a love for reading.
Jonathan Douglas, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust, echoed these sentiments, commending Queen Camilla for her authentic connection to children and families. According to Douglas, her understanding of the importance of engaging children in reading is vital for promoting literacy in the UK.
As she marks her 79th birthday, Queen Camilla’s dedication to promoting literacy extends beyond this celebratory occasion, continuing to resonate through her initiatives that inspire young minds to discover the joys of reading. With her efforts supported by both the monarchy and various literary organisations, it appears that the Queen will remain a steadfast champion of literacy for years to come.