Queen Camilla, 76, radiated grace and sophistication as she played the role of the perfect hostess during a star-studded reception at Buckingham Palace. The event was a celebration of the final of the esteemed children’s writing competition, the BBC’s 500 Words. Dressed in an effortlessly chic navy dress, Queen Camilla engaged in delightful conversations with judges and celebrity readers, adding regal charm to the occasion. The event was attended by a constellation of famous faces, including Sir Lenny Henry, British actor Tom Hiddleston, and Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville.
A Royal Mourning
The glittering reception took place against the somber backdrop of the Royal Family mourning the sudden and untimely death of Lady Gabriella Windsor’s husband, Thomas Kingston. The war hero, aged just 45, was found dead at an address in Gloucestershire on Sunday evening. The Royal Family, including Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, expressed deep shock at the loss of their ‘exceptional’ son-in-law. An inquest will be held, though no suspicious circumstances or involvement of other parties have been reported.
500 Words: A Literary Legacy
The event celebrated the culmination of the BBC’s 500 Words competition, a creative writing initiative for children aged five to 13. Conceived by Chris Evans six years ago, participants must craft a 500-word story. The winning entries have the privilege of being read aloud on the radio by celebrities like Hugh Bonneville and Oti Mabuse. The final stage of the competition, scheduled for World Book Day on March 7, will be televised during a special 30-minute episode of The One Show.
Sir Lenny Henry’s Royal Tea
In a heartwarming gesture, Sir Lenny Henry, a judge for the competition, shared a video from Buckingham Palace promoting 500 Words. Dressed in a suit, Sir Lenny enjoyed a cup of tea at the palace, reading a poem from The Queen herself. The poem underscored the importance of literacy in shaping life opportunities and urged young writers to submit their 500-word stories. The camaraderie among the judges and their genuine commitment to fostering creativity was evident in Sir Lenny’s visit.
Palatial Banter and Royalty in Mourning
Sir Lenny Henry, accompanied by BBC Breakfast star Jon Kay, explored Buckingham Palace with a touch of humor. While admiring the Gold State Coach, Sir Lenny quipped, ‘Oh my god, Jay-Z wants his ride back.’ Ascending the palace stairs, he jokingly exclaimed the need for oxygen due to breathlessness. His delight knew no bounds when presented with a tray of tea and the offer of milk and sugar, humorously inquiring about the availability of digestives.
A Solemn Memorial and Unforeseen Absence
The reception followed Queen Camilla’s leadership at the memorial service for King Constantine of Greece, held at St George’s Chapel. Notably, Prince William withdrew from the service at the last minute, citing ‘personal reasons.’ While the late King Constantine was godfather to Lady Gabriella Windsor, her absence was unrelated to William’s unforeseen withdrawal. It later emerged that Lady Gabriella’s husband, Thomas Kingston, had passed away suddenly, adding an unexpected layer of sorrow to the solemn occasion.
Tributes to Thomas Kingston
Lady Gabriella, in a joint statement with Kingston’s family, paid heartfelt tributes to her late husband, describing him as an ‘exceptional man’ who illuminated the lives of those around him. The Royal Family conveyed their deepest condolences, sending thoughts and prayers to Lady Gabriella, Mr. Kingston’s parents, and siblings.