Queen Camilla commented on Ruth Jones’s weight loss in an awkward blunder during a trip to Wales.
The uncomfortable moment unfolded at Cyfarthfa Castle near Merthyr Tydfil when Camilla encountered the Welsh actress during King Charles’s 77th birthday festivities on Saturday, November 15.
The King and Queen welcomed various Welsh celebrities at the historic venue, with guests including Love Island winner Liam Reardon and designer Julien Macdonald.
The Queen appeared not to recognise the Gavin and Stacey creator immediately as Ms Jones stood in the receiving line.
Queen Camilla comments on Ruth Jones’s weight loss in awkward blunder
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Despite Ms Jones’s fame as the sharp-tongued character Nessa Jenkins, Camilla seemed unaware of whom she was greeting until moments into their interaction.
Upon recognising the actress, Camilla made a direct remark about Ms Jones’s appearance.
“Haven’t you lost masses of weight?” the Queen declared whilst clasping the performer’s hand.
Ms Jones responded with laughter, appearing both taken aback and pleased by the royal observation. “Yes, I have, thank you! I’ve lost a bit of weight,” she replied.
(Left): Ruth Jones pictured in 2008. (Right): Ruth Jones pictured in 2025
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The actress has openly discussed her ongoing struggles with weight throughout her life.
Her transformation represents a significant achievement, having successfully shed 4.5 stone over 22 months.
The encounter highlighted Ms Jones’s dramatic physical change, which has become increasingly noticeable to those who have met her previously, including the Queen.
The writer and performer embarked on her weight loss journey following a return from holiday in January 2010.
Ruth Jones agreed with the Queen that she had lost weight
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She described experiencing a moment of clarity after overindulging while away.
“I came back from holiday in January 2010 – and we all overdo it on holiday, don’t we? Something just clicked. I felt it was now or never; I wanted to make a positive change for me, and I haven’t looked back,” Ms Jones reflected.
Rather than pursuing trendy diets or severe food limitations, she adopted a traditional approach.
The actress concentrated on reducing portion sizes while tracking her caloric consumption to achieve her goals.
Ms Jones revealed to the Table Manners podcast that she turned to hypnotherapy to address her chocolate dependency, despite initial scepticism about the treatment.
The technique involved alternating thoughts between chocolate and foods she found repulsive.
“You think of something you hate eating, then think of the chocolate – and keep alternating. I remembered how mushy peas were on the school dinner menu. It completely worked. I didn’t eat chocolate for five years; I couldn’t even stand the smell of it,” she explained.
The treatment proved so effective that Ms Jones eventually considered herself “sorted” and discontinued the hypnotist’s emails, though her chocolate aversion subsequently diminished.