DOUBLE DUCHESS
Well, that could have been awkward! Emerald Fennell, who plays a randy younger version of The Duchess of Cornwall on the Netflix hit The Crown, found herself face-to-face with the actual 74-year-old at a recent reception. “I was nervous I might be thrown in the Tower, but so far, so good,” the 36-year-old joked after the close encounter. No wonder: Many royals are said to abhor the series, which delves into the inner workings of the Firm — and rehashes Camilla’s part in Prince Charles’ ugly divorce from Princess Diana. But the future Queen Consort was a pro, Emerald revealed: “She’s been in the spotlight for a long time and has always weathered it with a lot of grace and good humor.”
Indeed, Camilla even gave Emerald a shout-out during her speech at the event, held at Clarence House March 8. “It is reassuring to know that, if I should fall off my perch at any moment, my fictional alter-ego is here to take over,” she quipped. “So Emerald, be prepared!” ★