Queen Camilla Parker Bowles Signed Royal Christmas Card Duchess Cornwall Royalty

Description

For your consideration is an exceedingly rare and historically significant original c.2005 Royal Family presentation Christmas card, boldly hand-signed "Camilla" as Duchess of Cornwall in black fountain pen ink, prior to her ascension as Queen of the United Kingdom. This exceptional royal presentation Christmas card measures approximately 5.75" x 8.25" and remains in original, fine condition. The card is both hand-inscribed and hand-signed by Queen Camilla, making it a one-of-a-kind, museum-quality artifact. Its authenticity is guaranteed, offering collectors a unique piece of British royal history.

Transcription of the Card:

Dear Dianna,

Thank you very much for your kind message on my birthday.

It really does seem to come round faster every year!

Best wishes, Camilla

Camilla (born Camilla Rosemary Shand, later Parker Bowles, on 17 July 1947) is Queen of the United Kingdom and the 14 other Commonwealth realms as the wife of King Charles III. Her journey from commoner to queen has been marked by resilience, dedication, and an enduring commitment to public service.

Raised in East Sussex and South Kensington, Camilla was educated in England, Switzerland, and France. In 1973, she married British Army officer Andrew Parker Bowles, with whom she had two children before their divorce in 1995. Camilla and Charles maintained a long-standing romantic relationship, both before and during their first marriages, which became highly publicized and subject to global scrutiny. In 2005, Camilla married Charles in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall, followed by a televised Anglican blessing at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. From their marriage until Charles's accession to the throne, she was known as the Duchess of Cornwall. On 8 September 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles became king, and Camilla assumed the title of queen consort. Their coronation took place at Westminster Abbey on 6 May 2023.

Camilla actively represents the monarchy through numerous public engagements and holds patronage with various charities and organizations. Since 1994, she has campaigned to raise awareness of osteoporosis, earning several honors and awards for her advocacy. Additionally, she has been a vocal supporter of causes related to rape, sexual abuse, literacy, animal welfare, and poverty.

After becoming Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla held the rank of the second highest woman in the British order of precedence, following Queen Elizabeth II. She was typically fifth or sixth in the orders of precedence in other realms, following the Queen, the relevant viceroy, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Prince of Wales. The Queen later adjusted the royal order of precedence for private occasions, placing Camilla fourth after the Queen, Princess Anne, and Princess Alexandra. Within two years of her marriage to Charles, the Queen extended visible symbols of royal membership to Camilla, including lending her the Greville Tiara, previously owned by the Queen Mother, and granting her the badge of the Royal Family Order of Elizabeth II.

Following their wedding, Clarence House became the official residence of Charles and Camilla. They also spend time at Birkhall for holidays and Highgrove House in Gloucestershire for family gatherings. In 2008, they took up residence at Llwynywermod in Wales, where they stay during their annual summer visits and other occasions. To maintain close ties with her family, Camilla continues to own Ray Mill House, her residence from 1995 to 2003, where she enjoys private time with her children and grandchildren.

This rare, hand-signed Christmas card from Queen Camilla offers an intimate glimpse into the personal side of a prominent royal figure. Its authenticity, historical significance, and royal provenance make it an exceptional addition to any distinguished collection of British royal memorabilia.