Queen Camilla jokes about ‘infamous’ Colin Firth scene from Pride and Prejudice during her annual literary festival
Queen Camilla jokes about ‘infamous’ Colin Firth scene from Pride and Prejudice during her annual literary festival
Queen Camilla made a joke about an ‘infamous’ Colin Firth scene from a TV adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice – saying it was unforgettable.
The royal made the joke while visiting Chatsworth House in Derbyshire for her annual literary festival.
Camilla, 78, greeted famous book lovers during a reception for The Queen’s Reading Room at the Grade I listed stately home on Friday.
She donned a black dress with white polka dots by Fiona Clare for the occasion, pairing it with low-heeled grey pumps.
Camilla opted for a natural make-up look, and wore her blonde bob loose, with her tresses styled into gentle waves.
A famously voracious reader, the queen founded the charity after hosting a successful Instagram book club during the pandemic.
Friday’s reception, which marked the organisation’s third festival, fell on the 250th anniversary year of author Jane Austen’s birth.
Camilla was welcomed by Lord William Burlington, the chairman of The Chatsworth House Trust, who thanked her for ‘this amazing opportunity’.
Queen Camilla is pictured attending the Queen’s Reading Room Festival at Chatsworth House on Friday
While giving a speech to guests in the Painted Hall, the royal was applauded when she said: ‘It seems only fitting that, in the 250th year anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, we are reminded that this magnificent backdrop was her inspiration for Pemberley in Pride and Prejudice.
‘Who can forget the infamous scene of Mr Darcy emerging from the lake in the BBC version?’
The Queen then addressed Lord Burlington, and said: ‘Maybe, William, we can persuade you to re-enact the scene here to add to the excitement of the day?’
The 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, was filmed at Chatsworth House.
Although Mr Darcy, played by Colin Firth, strode across fields dripping wet after a swim in the lake in the 1995 BBC version, there was no scene of him rising from the water as Camilla described.
The Queen added: ‘It is a truth universally acknowledged that books make life better.
‘They allow us to see through another’s eyes, they comfort and encourage us, make us laugh, make us cry and free us to travel the globe without stepping outside our front doors.
‘As some of you may know, my Reading Room started humbly and, in the face of several naysayers, as a list of nine of my favourite novels scribbled on a notepad during the first lockdown.
The queen (pictured) is seen placing books in a donation point for her charity, The Queen’s Reading Room
Camilla (pictured while giving her speech) donned a black dress with white polka dots by Fiona Clare for the occasion
Queen Camilla is pictured meeting members of the public attending a showing of Pride and Prejudice on the lawns of Chatsworth House during the festival
‘It is now an online community of over 180,000, with an annual audience of 12 million people from 183 countries, supported by a very special array of literary and literacy friends.’
At the beginning of her speech, the royal referenced told guests they would to excuse her if her voice gave out, noting: ‘As you can imagine I’ve been doing quite a lot of talking the last few days.
‘I’ll try to hang onto it.’
It’s been a busy week for the Royal Family, with US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump’s state visit.
In addition, there was a sombre event, when the family gathered to pay tribute to the late Duchess of Kent, whose Westminster Abbey funeral was on Tuesday.
The queen was unable to attend the Catholic service, due to a bout of acute sinusitis.
During Friday’s event, Camilla greeted famous faces including author and president of the Jane Austen Society Gill Hornby, author and TV presenter Richard Osman, and broadcaster and writer Gyles Brandreth.
Mr Brandreth, one of the trustees of the project, held a discussion about the life and work of Austen on the steps of the Painted Hall with Ms Hornby.
Broadcaster and writer Gyles Brandreth (pictured, left) held a discussion about the life and work of Austen during the festival
During her speech, Camilla – a famously voracious reader – said ‘it is a truth universally acknowledged that books make life better’
Camilla also spoke to people who have been helped by The Elm Foundation, a charity which helps people affected by domestic abuse, about how books provide escapism and the positive impact of reading.
The queen later marvelled at objects from Austen’s life.
These included a first edition of Pride And Prejudice which was previously owned by Lady Caroline Lamb, a late 18th century novelist – and described the items as ‘treasures’.
She also added books to The Queen’s Reading Room book donation station, including some of Austen’s work, which will be given to The Elm Foundation.
The Queen said she was ‘tempted’ to stay for a showing of Pride And Prejudice on the lawns of the house, before telling the crowd to ‘enjoy it’.
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