05 March 2023 , 22:40
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Queen Camilla was left delighted after her appearance on Antiques Roadshow when she presented a silver snuff box from the royal collection.
In one of her last appearances as the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, 75, made Antiques Roadshow history, to the joy of silver specialist Duncan Campbell.
Filming at The Eden Project, in Cornwall, the monarch told Duncan: "I wanted to bring along something that was associated with Cornwall."
"And of course, it doesn't exist now but in those days there was a silver mine here."
A silver mine was just 40 minutes Duncan said, with Camilla confirming it was a result of Wheal Duchy.
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Queen Camilla filmed a special episode of Antiques Roadshow (PA)"It's an absolute treasure," Duncan remarked. "There is an inscription inside which tells us all about it.
"The inside's beautifully gilded, like the day it was made.
"The man who made it is a man called John Northam, who has various boxes that were made for Prince Regent back in 1800 to 1820.
"He was a hugely skilful craftsman and an extraordinary man. And this is just a treasure."
Duncan went on: "In all my years in silver, it's the first bit of silver I've ever seen that's made out of English silver."
Camilla bought along items for experts to inspect (PA)Then Queen went on: "I can't believe that."
Duncan went on: "It's absolutely true, I'm so thrilled to see it."
Going on about the piece, the expert said: "The front piece is really difficult to make, but John Northam was a very skilful fella."
Duncan said he was grateful for Camilla sharing it, with the royal smiling, and saying: "Well, I'm so delighted that I've actually brought something that you've never seen before."
She added: "We were determined to find something that was associated with Cornwall."
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The Queen also took along a personal book to share with book specialist, Justin Croft.
She had taken Thomas Gray's Elegy Written in a Country Courtyard.
Fiona Bruce described Camilla as "terrific fun" on the show (PA)She explained the copy was special as she has always admired Gray and the illustrations in the book.
Later on, Camilla joined Fiona Bruce in a 'guess the mystery object' challenge.
Speaking about the royal's appearance on the show, Fiona said: "The Queen Consort was just terrific fun. She put everyone at ease and was keen to take part in the programme and chat with everyone.
"The members of the public that came along with their items that day got a bit more than they bargained for as they had no idea The Queen Consort was coming!
"Her Majesty got stuck into our Antiques Roadshow games, though ‘guess the mystery object’ had us both stumped."
The episode was filmed last summer, before King Charles' accession.
Recently, Camilla joined Paul O'Grady on For the Love of Dogs.
The pair searched for new ways to comfort and assist rehomed dogs with their unique needs.