On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Queen Camilla visited Ashdown Forest in Hartfield to explore the place that inspired the Hundred Acre Wood in A. A. Milne's classic Winnie-the-Pooh books. There, she met staff and volunteers from Ashdown Forest, as well as children from Ashdown Primary School. The Queen also unveiled a new trail, known as the Queen's Walk, which will provide easier access to the forest for future generations.
The Queen visited Poohsticks Bridge, where A. A. Milne played Poohsticks with his son, Christopher Robin, and met three children who recently won a Winnie-the-Pooh-themed poetry competition. The competition was organised by Ashdown Forest in partnership with the Royal Literary Fund, of which the Queen is Patron.
What a delightful occasion. A.A. Milne books were very important to us growing up in Australia, and still feed my imagination many decades later. Fantastic the event got this royal support!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to be a child again and play poo sticks. O well I'll dream and maybe read the book again
ReplyDeleteDear 19:08, keep playing! I systematically play Pooh Sticks at all appropriate bridges!
DeleteThis is one of Camilla's dresses, a rewear, that I quite like, the cool colours and the nonfloral, mosaic-like pattern they build. The 3/4 sleeves and the pretty length are both very attractive. But I would retire these shoes because there are really better "neutral" and combination friendly colours than this, if Camilla does not want to have one of the colours of the dress - which would be easy and good.
ReplyDeleteCamilla seems to be the only Windsor lady who wears her hemlines above her ankle at a more fashionable mid-calf length. I wish the younger ladies would follow her example. I love the beautiful floral print of the fabric.
ReplyDeleteSandra, I wonder which country you live in? The shops in Europe are full of maxi hemlines this summer, and hemlines above the ankle are not more fashionable this season. In fact having had a good look through a major high street fashion store this week I can say that this season is marked by hemlines being at any length … very short, to the ground and several lengths in between. It’s a lovely freedom and I’m loving hemlines that sit between the knee and ankles, approx where the English ladies are favouring them.
DeleteHi Anon. 8/7/26 02:33. I live in Canada. I realize that you can wear any length of hemline. Anything goes these days. But it's been my observation that hemlines just below the knee are more flattering on most women. Catherine the POW who has great legs should show them off more instead of hiding them. The same goes for Sophie.
DeleteI still love this dress, the fit and the proportions are so perfect for Camilla.
ReplyDeleteThe dress gives the free and floaty effect that we associate with floral summer outfits, but without swamping her petite figure. Lyra
I totally agree. Of all her signature dresses this is my favourite for all the reasons you stated.
DeletePetite figure - Camilla? Petite is a French term for a short person, usually under 5'3" with a slim, trim or dainty build. Someone like Princess Marie.
Delete7/26 16:22, thanks for your correction. I looked up Camilla's height and at 5'8" she is taller than me. I was so surprised!
DeleteI dont know why but she has always appeared shorter to me, perhaps because all the other British royal women apart from Duchess Birgitte seem to be taller than Camilla in photos - such as Zara Tindall who towers over Camilla despite being only 5'6"(according to my search).
It must be because Zara and others are wearing higher heels. Lyra
I doubt Camilla is 5'8" at this point in her life. Maybe when she was younger. She is almost 80 years old. We all shrink as we get older. She could have lost a few inches in height that is why she appears shorter than the others.
DeleteI loved the Winnie the Pooh books as a child. Great classics! Camilla queen of tarts looks fresh and leafy in this dress which compliments the wooded setting.
ReplyDeleteI have to make mention of the jumper Giles is wearing. 2nd photo right hand side, Winnie - the - Pooh!!! How marvelous is this wonderful creation !!!!
ReplyDeleteCamilla looks good in this dress, this style suits her well. The symmetry is well defined and in keeping with the Queen's shape, hence fitting perfectly. I do love the length of this dress, quite becoming. The skirt of the dress has nice movement, which I love. A lovely occasion. She is wearing some subtle jewellery, the perfect finishing touch.
Excellent jumper! Who is Giles?
DeleteAnon 07.42 Firstly my apologies I spelt the Christian name wrong! Gyles Brandreth. He is a British author, broadcaster. The list is endless! If you are interested you might want to research Gyles. thank you
DeleteThanks Ava! I’ve listened to him on BBC podcasts but not seen his face. A funny and clever man!
DeleteAnon 13.10 Your welcome. Ha, makes sense, you cannot put a voice to a face, well now you can. Well done! Oh he is, his books are wonderful reads. If you ever have the opportunity and are interested they would be an eye opener for you.
DeleteCamilla a su ressortir cette robe imprimée dont la coupe lui sied toujours avec son amplitude dans le bas - Je n'arrive pas à aimer la couleur de ses chaussures !
ReplyDeleteAchard62
Love Giles's jumper;;he would have played Pooh sticks. Diana loved good knitted characters; sheep I believe.
ReplyDeleteTypical frumpy look.
ReplyDeleteQueen Camilla looks lovely in this repeat dress. The colors are perfect for the woodlands she is in today. The Winnie the Pooh books were among my favorites growing up and my children had the same love of them. I love seeing Camilla playing Pooh Sticks too!. Yet another success for her promotion of literacy and reading. The opening the new trail will provide more fun and enjoyment of nature for many for years to come.
ReplyDeleteJanet
This has long been one of my very favorite dresses on Camilla. And what a wonderful event!
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