Queen Camilla, accompanied by King Charles, was honored with a special ceremony at Clarence House on Tuesday evening upon their return to London. The 76-year-old monarch was appointed as an honorary liveryman of the worshipful company of fan makers, highlighting the rich history and significance of fan making in British culture. The Duchess of Gloucester, the wife of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin, also graced the occasion.
In a graceful black pinafore dress adorned with leopard print detailing, Queen Camilla radiated elegance throughout the ceremony. Renowned fan maker Peter Dove had the privilege of dressing Her Majesty in a ceremonial gown, marking her appointment as an honorary liveryman. The ceremony took place at Clarence House, with the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers receiving special permission to conduct the event at the royal residence.
Expressing her enthusiasm for fans, Queen Camilla delightedly shared, “I’m thrilled because I love fans – I’ve got a collection upstairs,” while interacting with Claire Chitty, the company clerk. Among the impressive assortment of fan displays, a special gem caught everyone’s attention. It was a dark blue fan belonging to Queen Camilla herself, originally owned by her great-grandmother Alice Keppel, a prominent mistress of Edward VII. The fan had undergone meticulous restoration by experts associated with the Fan Museum, making it an exquisite and treasured artifact.
The Worshipful Company of Fan Makers, one of the esteemed Livery Companies of the City of London, can trace its roots back to 1670. Originally established as a Guild through a petition to Parliament, the company emerged in response to concerns surrounding the influx of imported fans. The Guild of Fan Makers, as it was initially known, secured its Royal Charter in 1709, solidifying its significance within the fan-making industry. Today, the company remains devoted to developing and promoting the art of traditional fan making.
Queen Camilla’s longstanding commitment to the world of fans is evident through her patronage of the Fan Museum, which began during her time as the Duchess of Cornwall in 2008. Furthermore, the Duchess of Gloucester, Birgitte, a Danish native who married Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, in 1972, has been a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers since 2005. The royal presence at the ceremony reinforces the importance of sustaining and cherishing the rich cultural heritage associated with British fan making.
The ceremony at Clarence House followed King Charles and Queen Camilla’s helicopter flight from their private Sandringham residence to Buckingham Palace. The royal couple was then chauffeured to nearby Clarence House. Charles, aged 75, made the journey with the intention of receiving further medical treatment following his recent cancer diagnosis. Although Charles has postponed public engagements, he continues his diligent work behind the scenes, attending to his red boxes of state papers. Buckingham Palace clarified last week that Charles does not have prostate cancer but rather a different form of cancer that was discovered during investigations for his benign enlarged prostate.
Queen Camilla’s appointment as an honorary liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers exemplifies the deep-rooted appreciation and respect for British fan making tradition. The ceremony held at Clarence House, with its rich historical background, showcased the unique artistry and craftsmanship associated with fans. As Queen Camilla’s love for fans shines through her personal collection, her role as patron of the Fan Museum further emphasizes her dedication to preserving the heritage of traditional fan making. With the royal presence at the ceremony, the importance of this enduring craft is celebrated, ensuring its continued significance in British culture.
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