Queen Camilla celebrated the 'incurable itch for writing' alongside author and former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner this week, as they presented awards to a group of exceptionally talented teenagers in a prestigious global competition.
A Royal Celebration of Young Literary Talent
The Queen, 78, hosted the Commonwealth Essay Competition presentation ceremony at St James's Palace on Thursday. She shared a warm reunion with Geri Halliwell-Horner, 53, greeting her with a handshake and a kiss on the cheek. The duo have collaborated on writing initiatives for several years, united by Camilla's passion for literacy causes and Geri's successful transition from pop star to children's author.
The royal looked sophisticated in an elegant blue dress and suede black boots, while Geri opted for a signature all-white ensemble with a black collar. The event was attended by a host of high-profile guests from the arts, including renowned children's author Dame Jacqueline Wilson and singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading. Chef Monica Galetti and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth were also among the famous faces present.
Inspiring Words from a Royal Patron
Addressing the attendees, Queen Camilla praised the young writers for their skill and imagination. 'All of you here know all about the "incurable itch for writing" and you know exactly what you are going to do with it,' she said. 'You have put it to excellent use, conjuring up people, places, myths and magic.'
She highlighted how the essays, on the theme 'Our Commonwealth Journey', had taken readers on a global voyage 'from Namibia to New Zealand, from Pakistan to Papua New Guinea, from St Lucia to India'. Expressing her confidence in the finalists, she added, 'I am certain that each one of our brilliant finalists has an exciting future ahead of you... to fill us with hope for the days to come.'
Record-Breaking Competition Crowns Its Winners
The ceremony honoured the exceptional young writers who triumphed in a record-breaking year for the competition. The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS), which has staged the event since 1883, received a staggering 53,434 entries from across the Commonwealth's 56 member nations.
Janet Cooper, chairwoman of the RCS, described this year's entries as 'truly remarkable'. The winners were:
- Junior Winner: Vivaan Agarwal, 14, from Jaipur, India.
- Junior Runner-up: Lakshmi Manognya Achanta, 14, from Singapore.
- Senior Winner: Kaira Puri, 17, from New Delhi, India.
- Senior Runner-up: Pandora Onyedire, 17, from Lagos, Nigeria.
House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who had given the winners a tour of Parliament earlier in the week, was also a guest. He voiced his strong belief in the participants, stating, 'They are the next generation who will deliver, the Commonwealth is safe in their hands - I genuinely mean that, they are the inspiration for the future.'
This event marked Camilla's second high-profile reception in a week, following a trip to South Wales to celebrate King Charles's birthday where she met Welsh stars including Ruth Jones.
