Queen Camilla was the surprise guest of honour at the launch of the Charleston Festival today.
Her Majesty attended a literary event at the property in Firle, where she was greeted by schoolchildren and mingled with renowned authors.
Camilla, wearing a blue silk peacock-patterned dress by Fiona Clare, arrived by helicopter which landed in the grounds of Charleston, home to the Bloomsbury Group, some of the 20th century's most radical writers and artists.
The Queen is known for her love of books and is a champion of literacy. She greeted the hosts and speakers, shaking hands and taking the time to talk.
Guest then proceeded into the main marquee where Camilla officially opened the ten-day literary festival which is now in its 35th year.
Children from local schools including Firle CE Primary and South Malling CE Primary in Lewes, watched in awe, gasping and applauding as the Queen made her way to the stage.
Opening the event as the rain poured outside, Camilla, who was baptised in Firle Church and went to school in Ditchling, joked: “I’m sorry about the weather, I lived in Sussex for many years and it was always sunny.
"I’m very pleased to be here today. As a proud patron of Charleston, I’m delighted to welcome you all to this year’s literary festival.
"I was asked before I came to think of an author whose books I loved when I was the same age as some of you children. It’s always hard to choose one favourite writer.”
The Queen revealed that her favourite writer was Frances Hodgson Burnett, best known for her children’s novel The Secret Garden.
Camilla said: “Frances most famously understood the enticing history of secret gardens, just like the one here. Frances knew, as did the famous authors who lived at Charleston, that books on gardens are faithful friends who we can always turn to.
"They both have the ability to comfort and to connect us with people and nature.”
An extract of the book was read to the audience by actor Jenny Agutter OBE.
The event was hosted by Poet Laureate Joseph Coelho and featured a discussion with Horrid Henry writer Francesca Simon, beloved children’s author Jacqueline Wilson, who lives in Alfriston, and actor and comedian Sir Lenny Henry.
Each author shared their favourite book with the audience, with Francesca choosing The Magic Half by Annie Barrows.
She said: “I love this book so much. I’ve probably read it more than 12 times. I love books about magic but also magic happening to ordinary people.”
Jaqueline chose Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild, describing it as “a book that keeps on holding you”.
Finally, Lenny Henry chose The Cat In The Hat by Dr Seuss, basing his choice on the “chaos” that the eccentric book follows.
Lenny also discussed the importance of everyone getting involved with literature. He said: “Magic and books and literature aren’t just for one kind of person, books are for all of us and we should all read like heck.”
Camilla returned to the marquee to greet guests and schoolchildren from Firle Church of England Primary School.
Six pupils, whose names were given only as Tallulah, Torren, Izzy, Aben, Fletcher and Finn, were lined up, nervously waiting to meet Her Majesty. Tallulah, nine, clutched a small bouquet of purple and pink flowers to present to the Queen.
After the meeting, Tallulah said: “It was really exciting but I was also quite nervous. She asked me where I picked the flowers and she was asking what school I went to.”
Torren, also nine, said: “I said that I liked her earrings and she replied ‘do you like them? They’re fishes'."
Rachel West, the school's executive head, said: “We are very lucky and privileged to be here today.”
Camilla, who was visibly enthused throughout the visit, spent so long chatting with the children and other guests that she was soon behind schedule.
She was to have attended a reception in Charleston Barn with the speakers and guests but this had to be cut short to ensure she reached her next engagement, in Rye, on time.
After visiting Charleston House to meet staff and volunteers. Camilla was whisked away by helicopter.
The rest of the guests went ahead with the reception where they enjoyed a glass of fizz.
Speaking to The Argus at the reception, Joseph Coelho said it was "fantastic" that Camilla was able to be there.
He said: "We got to have a quick chat beforehand. It was lovely to hear about her promotion of reading.
“I hope it will get [children] curious. I thought it was so lovely that we got to talk about graphic novels because there are different routes into reading. It was great for the kids to hear about a whole wide range of books.”
Tracy Beaker author Jacqueline Wilson said: “Reading books is just a joy. I feel the more people can do to promote reading for fun and not as a punishment, the better.”
The event was attended by some 450 people, consisting of more than 200 schoolchildren, patrons and ticket holders.
The Charleston Festival takes place over ten day and features creative and intrepid thinkers such as Emily Maitliss, Grayson Perry and Michael Morpurgo.
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