The National Theatre celebrates with Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace

Queen Camilla Hosts Star-Studded National Theatre Celebration at Buckingham Palace

Queen Camilla welcomed a host of stage and screen stars to Buckingham Palace in London for a special celebration of the National Theatre, featuring performances, speeches, and an unexpected nod to one of her favourite plays, The Importance of Being Earnest.

The Queen became royal patron of the National Theatre in 2022, bestowed on her by the late Queen Elizabeth II following the departure from the UK of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

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Last night, 18 February 2025, brought together a prestigious guest list, including Cate Blanchett, Andrew Garfield, Dame Imelda Staunton, Jim Carter, Sir Simon Russell Beale, Lesley Manville, Rory Kinnear and James Corden.

The Queen watched a scene from the National Theatre’s recent hit production of The Importance of Being Earnest directed by Max Webster. The show is screening in UK and worldwide cinemas from tomorrow, 20 February.

Sharon D Clarke reprised her role as Lady Bracknell in the scene staged for The Queen, alongside Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa, and Hugh Skinner. PA News reported that Camilla was delighted by the performance, describing the Oscar Wilde classic as “one of my favourites,” and “It’s so funny. It really makes me laugh.”

Sir Damon Buffini, chairman of the National Theatre, praised the institution as “the pre-eminent theatre in the English language” and thanked Camilla for her support as patron since 2022. He also acknowledged the backstage talent who helped bring the evening’s performances to life.

Sir Simon Russell Beale also performed “Speak the Speech” from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, while a musical number from London Road added to the evening’s entertainment.

The event comes at a significant moment for the National Theatre, as Rufus Norris prepares to step down as director after ten years. He is succeeded by former Kiln Theatre boss Indhu Rubasingham, who will become the first woman to hold the role since the National Theatre’s founding in 1963, serving alongside joint chief executive Kate Varah.

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Main photo: Queen Camilla meets stars from the National Theatre at Buckingham Palace (Screenshots - Instagram @theroyalfamily)