Queen Camilla hosts reception at St James’s Palace

Queen Camilla hosted a reception in London for a very close cause marking a special anniversary.

Last week, Queen Camilla, as President, hosted a reception for The Amber Trust at St James’s Palace. The special reception was in connection with The Trust’s 30th anniversary.

Founded in 1995, The Amber Trust aims to provide blind and partially sighted children, as well as those with other disabilities, an opportunity to pursue their fullest musical aspirations. Promoting high-quality provisions, The Amber Trust is the only U.K. based charity dedicated to aiding vision-impaired children’s musical education and development.

The Trust has previously worked, in conjunction with other charities and organisations, to establish The Amber Trust Music Awards, which pays for, among other things, music lessons, instruments, specialised equipment, and travel accommodations when needed.

Last Tuesday, the Queen joined guests for a musical performance by children who have been supported by The Trust. One notable performer was Derek Paravicini, who is Queen Camilla’s nephew from her first marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles. Paravicini’s mother is Mary Ann Parker Bowles, Andrew’s sister.

Derek Paravicini, who is blind and autistic, greeted Her Majesty with an affectionate kiss on the cheek, saying, “Hello, Aunt Camilla”.

The Queen also greeted performers, their families, and invited attendees following the musical festivities.

Camilla has been President of The Amber Trust since March 2012, as the then-Duchess of Cornwall.

The Queen renewed the patronage in June 2024, at the time saying,

I am delighted to be the President of The Amber Trust. I have followed the progress of their outstanding work with blind children for many years and I hope that my involvement will enable the charity and the children it supports to fulfil their ambitions in the coming years.