Queen is treated to readings by Hayley Mills and Timothy West
THE Queen took “centre stage” for a tea-time performance as she celebrated literature in Sussex.
Camilla, wearing a peacock feather-patterned dress and sand-coloured coat, was welcomed to “Royal Rye” in the rain, greeted by crowds lining the cobbled streets as she arrived at the Church of Saint Mary as part of her tour of the county yesterday.
She met members of local organisations including Royal Voluntary Service and Mothers’ Union at the church before walking along the street to historic Lamb House.
She took flowers from wellwishers who waited to see her, including 59-year-old Julie Barker, who said: “We are so excited to be here today. We really love her – she’s an amazing lady.”
The Queen also shook the hand of two-year-old Bobby Neal, who was wearing a yellow raincoat.
His mother Emma Russell said Bobby had earlier kept saying “the Queen” as they waited to see her.
The 39-year-old from Rye, said: “It was amazing. What a memory to have for life. He’s a bit overwhelmed.”
Lamb House, once home to novelists Henry James, Rumer Godden and E.F. Benson, also hosts a literature collection the Queen viewed as part of her tour.
Benson is known for his Mapp and Lucia novels which were set in the fictional town of Tilling, based on Rye.
A celebration of Rye’s literacy history was then enjoyed at a garden party with guests including members of the Friends of Tilling, the E.F. Benson Society and staff and volunteers from the National Trust.
During the garden party, reading performances of Mapp and Lucia were read by Oscar winner Hayley Mills and actor Timothy West, who sat next to the Queen as she was offered tea. TV entertainer Gyles Brandreth also addressed the party guests as he guided the Queen to her seat, saying: “You’re centre stage, with a cup of tea. This is a tea-time performance.”
Mr West’s wife Prunella Scales who played Miss Mapp in the 1985 TV series was also at the celebration.
Earlier in the day, the Queen also attended Charleston Festival for its opening event, The Power of Reading.