Cast members of BBC Radio 4's The Archers have shared insights into Queen Camilla's passion for the long-running drama, revealing a humorous comment from King Charles about her fandom.
King Charles's 'Jealous' Remark
Timothy Bentinck, who has played David Archer since 1982, recalled a memorable moment when he collected his MBE from the then Prince Charles in 2018. According to Bentinck, the monarch leaned over and said, 'My wife would be so jealous, she's such a fan.' Bentinck described Camilla as 'so easy and so lovely' during earlier encounters.
Queen Camilla's Guest Appearance
A self-proclaimed 'Archers addict', Queen Camilla appeared as herself in a 2011 special episode marking the show's 60th anniversary, in her role as president of the National Osteoporosis Society. She has met the cast on numerous occasions and is known to relax by listening to the programme.
Cast Memories
Sunny Ormonde, who portrays Lilian Bellamy, recalled meeting the Queen in an interview with HELLO! magazine. 'She came into the show and was absolutely delightful,' Ormonde said. When asked about her distinctive laugh, Ormonde replied, 'From the bottom of a gin bottle, ma'am.' She added that the Queen 'said that in times of stress, she knows she can come back home, throw off her shoes and listen to The Archers.'
Celebrating Milestones
In 2023, Queen Camilla congratulated the show on its 20,000th episode, writing to editor Jeremy Howe: 'As one of your greatest fans... I will be thinking of you all and raising a glass to mark over a quarter of a million minutes of Archers magic.' She signed off with a light-hearted reference to a villain: 'Here's to the next 20,000 episodes – and, let's hope, the end of Rob Titchener!'
For the show's 70th anniversary, the Queen cut an Archers-themed cake alongside the late actress June Spencer, who played Peggy Woolley. Princess Margaret also appeared in the programme in 1984 for the NSPCC centenary.
The Archers celebrates its 75th anniversary this year with a nationwide tour.
