Queen smiles as she's gifted matching Valentine's Day jumpers for King Charles

14 February 2024 , 21:21

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Queen Camilla smiles during a speech by host Gyles Brandreth at the Celebration of Shakespeare event (Image: Getty Images)

Queen Camilla attended a star-studded 'Celebration of Shakespeare’ event on Wednesday evening at Grosvenor House in central London as she received a special gift for her and King Charles.

The royal met many stars of theatre and screen along with National Theatre and The Royal Shakespeare Company representatives as they commemorated 400 years since the first Shakespeare folio. The 76-year-old could only beam with happiness as she was handed gifts of matching Valentine's Day jumpers with red hearts displayed on them for herself and her husband by host Gyles Brandreth.

There was also a giant get-well soon card for the king, who had planned to be there. The queen posed for a group photo with the who's who of dames, including Joanna Lumley, Floella Benjamin, Twiggy Lawson, Harriet Walter, Penelope Wilton, Maureen Lipman and Virginia McKenna. Sian Phillips, Vanessa Redgrave, Penelope Keith and Patricia Routledge made up the impressive photoshoot.

The queen as she was handed the jumpers (Getty Images)

She appeared pleased with the gifts (Getty Images)

She also met with other esteemed actors and thespians, including Julian Glover and Sir David Suchet. The Queen looked like a star herself throughout the event dressed in a long, green velvet dress and black suede boots.

The King and Queen had already marked the anniversary last July when they hosted a reception at Windsor Castle. The world's most famous playwright’s first folio was published in 1623 and contains 36 plays, with universal classics such as Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, The Twelfth Night, and A Midsummer Night's Dream to name just a few. The folio itself was on display at the reception.

Kate rules out receiving romantic gift from Prince William on Valentine's Day

(PA)

The 76-year-old looked stunning in her green velvet outfit (Getty Images)

The event was concluded with performances by Gary Oldman, Robert Lindsay and Dame Judi Dench. The king is known for his love of Shakespeare and no doubt would have enjoyed the celebration but instead is receiving treatment for cancer.

The monarch is settling down for a prolonged stay on his sprawling 20,000-acre Sandringham Estate, in Norfolk as he continues his treatment. He is said to be hunkering down at Wood Farm, in Sandringham, where he's hoping to find a calming environment for his recovery.

Queen Camilla smiles as she poses with the dames (Getty Images)

It was reported that Prince Harry was 'cheerful' on his return to the US following a visit to his dad last week. The Duke, 39, flew to the UK last week where he is said to have spent around 24 hours - with an overnight stay at a hotel. It has been reported King Charles, 75, personally told Harry and William about his diagnosis before Buckingham Palace made the public announcement.

Steven White