23 February 2023 , 14:36
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Queen Camilla has made her first public appearance since overcoming being struck by Covid - and teased husband King Charles with a cheeky gesture.
The Queen Consort was joined by the monarch today to host a reception at Clarence House to celebrate the second anniversary of The Reading Room charity.
They welcomed a host of authors members of the literary community and representatives of literacy charities for the event, which was rescheduled after Camilla tested positive for Covid earlier this month.
In a speech at the event, Camilla started by addressing her husband, calling him "Your Majesty" and turning to face him, prompting Charles to break out into a huge smile - with several of those gathered also laughing.
Camilla with King Charles during a reception at Clarence House today (PA)
Camilla gave a short speech at the event (PA)She also thanked those in attendance for coming and remarked: "A week late, but I'm Covid-free!"
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Meanwhile later in her speech, Camilla appeared to reference the Roald Dahl censorship row after it emerged the latest editions of his children's books had been edited to remove potentially offensive language.
The Roald Dahl Story Company and Puffin Books confirmed they had carried out a review of classics to ensure they can be enjoyed by all children.
This meant the removal or rewriting of content deemed offensive, such as references to weight, mental health, violence, gender and race.
Camilla pats Barney the dog, who was brought to Clarence House by author Charlie Mackesy (PA)Camilla told the assembled authors: "Please remain true to your calling, unimpeded by those who may wish to curb the freedom of your expression or impose limits on your imagination. Enough said."
Many of those gathered then said: "Here, here."
Yesterday, Camilla pulled out of an engagement as she continued her recovery from Covid and prepared for today's event.
She had been due to join the King on a visit to the food distribution organisation The Felix Project in East London but Buckingham Palace said instead she was allowing "for additional preparation ahead of Thursday's rescheduled literary reception and other commitments".
Instead Charles toured the charity alone before unveiling a freezer full of food, one of 800 funded by his and other donations.
Camilla meets the author Simon Sebag Montefiore, best known for his history books (PA)
Camilla with children's author Jacqueline Wilson (PA)He was joined in the ceremony by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, also a supporter of the food distribution charity's work, and they both pulled off the green cloth covering the freezer, emblazoned with the charity’s logos.
The Palace announced on February 13 – nine days ago – that Camilla, 75, had tested positive for Covid-19 for a second time after suffering from cold-like symptoms.
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She missed visits to Milton Keynes, Birmingham and Telford last week and postponed the Clarence House literary reception, which was rescheduled for today.
Today was her first public appearance since Thursday, February 9 when she visited Storm Family Centre, a charity supporting domestic abuse survivors in south London.
The Queen Consort also caught Covid early last year and had to cancel her appearance at a number of events in the aftermath of the illness.
The Princess Royal deputised for Camilla at the Cheltenham festival last March, as she was pacing herself after overcoming the virus. She also missed a Commonwealth event.