Queen Camilla marked her 79th birthday with a new official portrait taken at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland. The photograph, captured by royal photographer Chris Jackson, shows the Queen in a blue Fiona Clare dress.
For the occasion, Camilla wore a diamond and sapphire butterfly brooch that was presented to the late Queen Elizabeth II in February 1977. King Charles and Queen Camilla visited Northern Ireland in May, during which they hosted a garden party at Hillsborough Castle.
In recognition of her birthday, Queen Camilla announced a renewed commitment to supporting children's literacy. This initiative will provide a special edition of Katherine Rundell's book "Impossible Creatures" to every Year 6 and P6 child across the UK this Christmas. The program is being delivered in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, of which Queen Camilla is Patron.
The Queen has previously worn the sapphire dress, most recently in June 2024 when she bid farewell to Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the conclusion of their state visit to the UK. Last year, her birthday portrait was taken by Jackson at Ray Mill, the Queen's private residence in Wiltshire, where she was pictured with her dog Moley.
In other recent royal news, King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted Prince Harry, Meghan, and their two children at their private Gloucestershire residence, Highgrove. This meeting marked the first time the King had seen Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet since 2022. Prince Harry was in the UK for a series of events, including a legal case and preparations for the Invictus Games.
Earlier in the week, Queen Camilla joined King Charles for engagements in Dorset. The King visited the Hall & Woodhouse Badger Brewery, where he pulled a pint of ale, remarking that it was a good day to 'drown a few sorrows' following England's exit from the World Cup. The couple toured the brewery and met with apprentices.
Additionally, Queen Camilla met with author J.K. Rowling earlier this month at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. The pair discussed the importance of children's access to books and the role of reading in future opportunities.