Queen Camilla made a visit to the Bristol set of Rivals on Monday, where she disclosed that watching the Disney+ drama helped her recover from an illness.
The 78-year-old told cast members she had consumed the entire series in one go while suffering from pneumonia in December 2024, an illness that forced her to withdraw from portions of the Qatari state visit.
“I remember watching it last year when I was ill, I had pneumonia. I promise you, I binge-watched it and felt much better afterwards,” she said.
The Queen also revealed she had “galloped through” Dame Jilly Cooper’s novels, describing the show as “just good fun” and noting that audiences today “want to be lifted” and “have a good laugh”.
Queen Camilla admits she ‘binge-watched’ raunchy TV show while battling pneumonia
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DISNEY
During her visit, the Queen offered personal condolences to Dame Jilly’s two children, who were present on the Bristol set where filming for the second series is underway.
“It’s so sad about her,” the Queen remarked, describing the late author as “a big part of my life for such a long time.”
She also expressed her conviction that Dame Jilly’s presence could still be felt, telling the family she was “sure she’s here today.”
The Queen had been close friends with Dame Jilly and released a personal tribute following her death earlier this year, which concluded: “May her hereafter be filled with impossibly handsome men and devoted dogs.”
Victoria Smurfit, who portrays Maud O’Hara in the series, noted that Dame Jilly had originally been expected to attend the set visit.
The Queen engaged in a playful exchange with Alex Hassell, who plays Rupert Campbell-Black, about his brunette appearance in the role.
“It’s so funny seeing you dark because you always imagine Rupert as blond,” she observed.
Mr Hassell acknowledged that some viewers had objected to his casting but remained unfazed, noting that Dame Jilly herself had given her blessing after inspecting him closely on several occasions.
Queen Camilla stands with actor Oliver Chris during a visit to the set of the TV series Rivals
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REUTERS
“She would tell all the men that they were ‘sex’ every time she met them,” the actor recalled.
When the Queen enquired whether producers had attempted to lighten his hair, Mr Hassell explained that while his locks are dyed for the part, they conceal grey rather than transform to blonde.
“She boosted your confidence,” the Queen remarked.
The Queen was subsequently introduced to David Tennant and other members of the ensemble cast in the fictional kitchen of “The Priory,” the O’Hara family home.
Queen Camilla talks to actor David Tennant during a visit to the set of the TV series Rivals
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REUTERS
“Welcome to our Priory kitchen,” Mr Tennant greeted her. “This must be such fun,” the Queen responded, to which Mr Tennant replied with a smile: “Sometimes we have too much fun.”
Mr Hassell had earlier confided that the cast frequently struggle to maintain composure during intimate scenes, particularly when required to gaze longingly at one another.
“I suppose you must have found yourself in those positions quite a lot,” he suggested to the Queen, who confirmed she had previously succumbed to fits of laughter during official engagements.
Dame Jilly served as an executive producer on the series, which premiered in October 2024 and has since garnered 11 awards and 32 nominations, including an International Emmy for Best Drama Series.