Members of BBC Radio 4's long-running drama The Archers have shared insights into Queen Camilla's personality after her guest appearance on the show. A self-proclaimed "Archers addict", the King's wife is known to relax by listening to the programme and has met the cast on several occasions.
Queen Camilla's Guest Appearance
In 2011, as part of a special episode marking The Archers' 60th anniversary, Queen Camilla portrayed herself in her role as president of the National Osteoporosis Society.
Timothy Bentinck's Memorable Encounter
Timothy Bentinck, who has played David Archer since 1982, recalled a particularly memorable meeting when he received his MBE from the then Prince Charles in 2018. According to the actor, the monarch leaned over and said: "My wife would be so jealous, she's such a fan."
Bentinck also remembered an earlier meeting with Camilla, describing her as "so easy and so lovely." He added: "The last time we met, I raised my eyebrow as if to say, 'Gosh, you're the Queen'. She looked at me with a look on her face as if to say, 'I know!'."
Sunny Ormonde's Recollection
Sunny Ormonde, who plays Lilian Bellamy, reminisced about meeting the Queen in an interview with HELLO! magazine. "She came into the show and was absolutely delightful," Ormonde said. "She asked me where my [distinctive] laugh came from. I said to her, 'From the bottom of a gin bottle, ma'am'. I don't know if she winked at me. I was a bit flustered. The Archers has been a source of comfort to her. She said that in times of stress, she knows she can come back home, throw off her shoes and listen to The Archers."
Queen Camilla's Message for 20,000th Episode
In 2023, Queen Camilla congratulated The Archers on its 20,000th episode. In a message to editor Jeremy Howe, she reportedly said: "As one of your greatest fans, and sadly unable to join you this evening, I will be thinking of you all and raising a glass to mark over a quarter of a million minutes of Archers magic from the last 72 years." She added: "Thank you for bringing joy, companionship, laughter, tears, compassion and understanding to your audience across the globe," before concluding with a playful nod to the show's villain: "Here's to the next 20,000 episodes – and, let's hope, the end of Rob Titchener!"
70th Anniversary Celebration
For the programme's 70th anniversary, the Queen also cut an Archers-themed cake alongside the late actress June Spencer, who played matriarch Peggy Woolley.
Other Royal Appearances
The 78-year-old is not the only royal to have appeared on the show. In 1984, Princess Margaret portrayed herself in her capacity as president of the NSPCC to commemorate the charity's centenary. At the time, producer William Smethurst noted that the Princess quickly mastered the microphone techniques required for radio drama.
The Archers celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, marking the occasion with a tour across the UK.
