CAMILLA’S CORNISH ADVENTURE
A SECRET PHOBIA, A FUNKY FITNESS TRACKER AND A CLEVER FASHION TIP WERE REVEALED BY THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL AS SHE JOINED HER HUSBAND FOR A MINI TOUR OF THE WEST COUNTRY
The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall were in good spirits as they paid their annual trip to the West Country. It gave the royal pair an opportunity to meet residents of their official dukedom, while following social distancing etiquette – albeit without face coverings. But it also gave us the chance to gain some new insights about Camilla...
SHE HAS A FEAR OF HEIGHTS
Kicking off their whistle-stop tour with a visit to Tintagel Castle, which is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, Camilla revealed a surprise phobia of heights. The couple were opening the new footbridge that links the castle mainland with the island.
Linking arms with Charles as they traversed the crossing spanning a 190ft gorge, she remarked, “I’m not looking down, I’m looking above.” Charles joked with staff that his wife “had a great head for heights”. Once on the other side, they stood to admire the view, Camilla remarking, “It’s so beautiful.” They also signed their names on slates to commemorate the occasion.
SHE KEEPS CALM IN A CRISIS
Camilla showed her unflappable nature when two paramedics who were showing her around the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust base in Newquay had to race off to an emergency call. Hearing that the patient had suffered head injuries, she calmly remarked, “Fingers crossed.”
She also kept her cool when she bumped her head on the ceiling of a helicopter after gamely trying out the stretcher on board. The duchess, who was celebrating her 10th year as the Trust’s patron, officially launched the new helicopter which is named after her. Peeling back the tartan nose cone mask from the chopper, she said, “Oh, she has a facemask on. It’s a rather smart mask!”
SHE THINKS PEOPLE ARE JUST “BRILLIANT”
On day two of their trip, Charles and Camilla helped out members of The Hive project at Treverbyn Community Hall in St Austell. Dishing up two portions of rogan josh curry, Camilla joked, “They’re not allowed seconds. But I hope somebody enjoys that.” Touched by the efforts of helpers, she added, “Thanks so much for all you’ve done and for volunteering. People are brilliant.”
The Hive has cooked up 100,000 meals for those in need since March, while the community hall is an essential hub for projects including a 24/7 phone-a-friend scheme, community larder and jigsawlending service.
SHE’S PARTIAL TO A SOUVENIR
As usual, Camilla and Charles were showered with gifts. Camilla looked very pleased to be given a bottle of Wrecking Coast Heli-gin at the air ambulance base. However, she has previously admitted she’s not a big fan of the tipple, saying, “My husband is an ardent gin drinker!”
She was also given a lovely posy of flowers and presented with a handmade bracelet by six-year-old air ambulance fundraiser Leya Raper. A gift of bunting was gratefully accepted by Camilla in St Austell.
SHE LOVES HER NEW FITBIT
Keeping trim is important to the 73-year-old duchess, who enjoys ballet and hiking. Sure enough, she was keeping track of her activity levels with her trusty rose gold and grey Fitbit Charge 3. The device monitors heart rate and sleep patterns. Camilla was also seen sporting a very chic pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses and carrying a stylish Heidi Klein raffia tote.
A pale blue shift dress was the perfect choice for day one of the tour, while the white shirt dress she wore on day two looked very summery. To finish her look she wore a comfy but stylish pair of tan block heels – Camilla clearly knows that wearing nude-coloured shoes helps give the impression of enviably long legs. The shoes look very much like those from trusty bunionfriendly brand Sole Bliss. She is said to own a collection of their wide-fitting shoes in a variety of styles.