During her visit to the vibrant Shepherds Bush pop-up at Kindred Studios, Her Majesty, at the spry age of 76, couldn’t hide her delight over the enchanting artwork that captured the young princess’s likeness.
The scoop? It was Camilla’s own daughter, Laura Lopes, who spilled the beans about this artistic hotspot, insisting it was a must-see. And boy, was she right! Among the quirky taxidermy mice and the mesmerizing embroidered textiles, it was the small, captivating painting of Princess Charlotte that truly caught Camilla’s royal eye.
The talent behind this royal gem? Spanish-born artist Mercedes Carbonell, who took inspiration from an official snap by the Princess of Wales back in 2017, celebrating Charlotte’s second birthday. Carbonell gushed, “The Queen liked it very much.”
She even mused that Charlotte bore a striking resemblance to Queen Elizabeth in the photo, a royal comparison that inspired her to create the painting. This piece wasn’t just a hit with Camilla—it had already dazzled crowds at the Grand Palais in Paris during a COVID-era exhibit.
Camilla’s artistic adventure didn’t stop there. The visit also had a personal twist, linking back to her equerry, Major Ollie Plunket of The Rifles. The Queen was warmly welcomed by Cordelia Plunket, Major Plunket’s mother and an award-winning film producer with an impressive roster (think David Bowie, Adele, and The Prodigy). Cordelia’s showcase included a quirky “spaghetti western” scene with taxidermy mice and puppet dogs channeling the Beatles’ iconic Abbey Road cover.
This royal outing was more than just an art exhibition visit—it was a testament to Queen Camilla’s deep connection to her family and the artistic community. With King Charles recently back from Sandringham, presumably after his latest cancer treatment, and Camilla gearing up to host a reception for the Poppy Factory’s 100th anniversary, it’s clear the royal family is keeping busy and staying connected through the power of art and shared experiences.
