Queen Camilla's Light-Hearted Tribute: 'Infamous' Colin Firth Scene at Literary Festival
THE ROYAL READS
In a delightful display of wit and literary flair, Queen Camilla regaled guests at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire with a cheeky joke about one of the most iconic scenes from the BBC adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel, Pride and Prejudice. The royal matriarch, resplendent in a sleek black dress with white polka dots, was hosting her annual literary festival as part of her charity, The Queen's Reading Room.
As she stood at the podium in the magnificent Painted Hall, Camilla couldn't resist poking fun at the infamous lake scene featuring Colin Firth's dashing Mr. Darcy. "Who can forget the unforgettable scene of Mr. Darcy emerging from the lake?" she quipped to a room full of esteemed book lovers, including author and Jane Austen Society president Gill Hornby, TV presenter Richard Osman, and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth.
But little did Camilla know, her joke would spark a collective gasp among fans of the 2005 film adaptation. As it turns out, Colin Firth's iconic scene was actually part of the BBC mini-series from 1995, where Mr. Darcy strolled across fields dripping wet after his impromptu swim in the lake. The actual film adaptation did not feature him rising from the water as Camilla described.
As if to add to the excitement, Camilla playfully suggested that Lord William Burlington, the chairman of Chatsworth House Trust, reenact the scene on the spot. Her wit and charm had the audience in stitches, but we can't help but wonder: would the usually stoic Lord Burlington have been up for a dip in the lake?
This year's festival marked the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, and Camilla was befittingly the guest of honor. As she spoke to guests about the transformative power of literature, it was clear that her own love affair with reading has been a lifelong passion.
"I've always believed that books have the power to transport us to other worlds," she said, her voice warm and engaging. "They allow us to see through another's eyes, comfort and encourage us, make us laugh and cry, and free us to travel the globe without ever leaving our front doors."
Camilla's charity has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a list of nine favorite novels scribbled on a notepad during the first lockdown. Today, The Queen's Reading Room boasts an astonishing online community of over 180,000 members and an annual audience of 12 million people from 183 countries.
As she mingled with guests, Camilla was spotted chatting with Gyles Brandreth about the life and works of Austen on the steps of the Painted Hall. She also took a moment to marvel at objects from Austen's life, including a rare first edition of Pride and Prejudice previously owned by Lady Caroline Lamb.
But perhaps the most poignant moment came when Camilla spoke with representatives from The Elm Foundation, a charity that helps people affected by domestic abuse. Books, she explained, provide a much-needed escape for those struggling to cope with trauma.
As the festival drew to a close, Camilla bid farewell to her guests and left them with a parting thought: "I'm tempted to stay for a showing of Pride and Prejudice on the lawns of the house. But I'll let you enjoy it instead."
