Queen Camilla has declared her inaugural visit to Scotland's national academy of art as the "first of many," expressing pride in her role as patron of the Friends of the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA). During the visit, she hinted that King Charles might bring some of his personal paintings to Edinburgh for display.
Royal Visit Marks Bicentenary Celebrations
The Queen toured the Chaos and Control: Printmaking in Scotland Now exhibition at the RSA in Edinburgh, part of the institution's 200th anniversary celebrations. She was shown works by numerous Scottish artists and engaged in conversations about their creative processes.
Camilla joked about her own artistic abilities, stating, "Sadly I don't have the talent of my husband, or my late father-in-law, but I do try to paint very badly, but sadly don't have the time." She added that nothing brings her more joy than viewing others' collections.
Royal Family's Artistic Connections
The Queen referenced King Charles and Prince Philip's painting skills, noting she lacks both their talent and time for the hobby. However, she expressed hope that "one of these days perhaps we could bring a few of his (The King's) paintings here." Gareth Fisher, president of the RSA, responded that the gallery would "love to" host one of the King's landscapes of Scotland, prompting Camilla to reply, "I shall mention it to him."
Artists Share Their Experiences
Aoife Cawley, an exhibiting artist whose screen-printing work was inspired by a scholarship-funded stay in Florence, described meeting the Queen as "surreal" and "a bit mad." She told the Press Association, "She was real sound, she was real nice, really interested in the work, and she was nice to chat to." Camilla reportedly remarked that Florence is a "lovely place."
Artist Kate Downie, commissioned to create a commemorative etching of the RSA building for the anniversary, received the slice of cake cut by the Queen. She described the moment as "really special," adding, "I got the slice that was cut by the Queen, and it tastes delicious."
Ceremonial Highlights and Future Plans
During her visit, Camilla cut a "beautiful" cake to mark the RSA's bicentenary and signed the visitors' book. She affirmed, "I hope this will be the first of many visits. I know you've got wonderful collections here that I would absolutely come and have a look at." Colin Greenslade, director of the RSA, noted the organization has "always had a close connection with the royal household" and echoed the hope for future visits.
Royal Week began earlier that morning with the traditional Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where King Charles was presented with the keys to Edinburgh, which he returned for safekeeping.
