Queen Camilla has shown she’s more than capable of laughing at her own expense after sending a playful present to journalist Janet Street-Porter.
The Loose Women panellist revealed that she once made a tongue-in-cheek remark about the Queen’s wardrobe, only to be met with an unexpected but hilarious response.
Janet, who has interviewed countless public figures throughout her career, told The Times that Her Majesty is an avid viewer of Loose Women and that the two have crossed paths a number of times. “Queen Camilla is a big Loose Women fan. I’ve met her a few times, once at a reception for a domestic abuse charity,” she shared.
The story began after Camilla was gifted a sweater from the set of The Killing. The jumper had been worn by the show’s leading lady, and Janet couldn’t resist making a joke in her column. “She’d visited the set of The Killing and been given the sweater the leading lady wore, so I joked in my column that Camilla would look like a teapot wearing it,” Janet recalled.
It might have seemed like a throwaway quip at the time, but the Queen clearly took note. Rather than taking offence, she decided to have some fun with it. Janet explained how, just a week later, she received a parcel straight from Clarence House. Inside was the very same sweater, along with a handwritten note. The note read, “Dear Janet, here’s the sweater. You can wear it.”
It was a witty comeback that left Janet both amused and impressed by Camilla’s playful spirit. Not every royal would be quick to respond to a jab with such light-heartedness, but the Queen showed she has a mischievous side and doesn’t mind poking fun at herself.
For Janet, who is well known for her no-nonsense style and sharp tongue, the gesture was unforgettable. In her retelling of the story, she made it clear that she admired Camilla’s ability to take a joke and turn it into something memorable.
What could have easily been brushed aside became a moment that highlights how relatable Camilla can be. Rather than ignoring a cheeky comment, she went out of her way to join in the banter and make sure Janet had the last laugh.
It’s not often the public gets to see this side of the Queen, but stories like this show that behind the formality and tradition, there’s someone who enjoys a bit of fun and isn’t afraid to lean into a joke.
Janet’s anecdote paints a picture of Camilla as approachable and quick-witted, a woman just as capable of enjoying some light teasing as she is of performing her royal duties. And for anyone who wondered whether she reads the columns and commentary written about her, this little act of humour suggests she absolutely does.
