The Royal Family celebrated Queen Camilla’s 79th birthday today by sharing a new photo of her taken by royal photographer Chris Jackson at Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland. The Queen looked elegant in a dark blue dress paired with a diamond and sapphire butterfly brooch acquired in 1977.
The photo was posted on the Royal Family’s Instagram account to extend birthday wishes to Her Majesty. The Prince and Princess of Wales also joined in with their own messages. Alongside Camilla’s birthday, the post announced the Queen’s commitment to enhancing children’s literacy.
As part of this initiative, every Year 6 and P6 child in the UK will receive a special edition of the book “Impossible Creatures” by author Katherine Rundell this Christmas. The program, in collaboration with the National Literacy Trust, will include a personal message from the Queen inside each book.
Promoting reading and literature has been a key focus for the Queen, especially as the NLT program aims to celebrate the National Year of Reading 2026. The books will be distributed through schools, libraries, and various community settings to ensure all eligible children have access to them.
Author Katherine Rundell expressed gratitude for the Queen’s selection of “Impossible Creatures” as a Christmas gift, highlighting the power of shared stories. Camilla’s dedication to reading is evident through her establishment of the Queen’s Reading Room, which provides book recommendations and exclusive content monthly.
Camilla’s commitment to her royal duties and her advocacy for literacy have earned her widespread respect and admiration, dispelling earlier doubts about her place in the royal family. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond commended Camilla’s journey to becoming a respected figure in the public eye, noting her resilience and unwavering support for Prince Charles.
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