Congratulations gratitude acknowledged by Camilla - Congratulatory message received and appreciated by Camilla.
## Camilla's 78th Birthday Celebrated with New Portraits and Tributes
On the 17th of July, 2025, Queen Camilla celebrated her 78th birthday, and to mark the special occasion, Buckingham Palace released a new portrait of her. The image, captured in the garden of her private residence, Ray Mill House, in Wiltshire, showcases a personal side of the Queen Consort[1][2][3].
The picturesque setting of Ray Mill House, which has been Camilla's private retreat since 1996[2][3][4], provides a serene backdrop for the portrait. The Queen can be seen sitting on a garden chair, engrossed in a book, wearing a turquoise, tropically patterned blouse dress with flamingos[5].
The book that Camilla is holding in the portrait is "The Grey Wolf" by Louise Penny[6], a testament to her love for reading. In fact, Camilla is an avid reader and has been promoting literature for years[7].
The new portrait was not the only birthday tribute for Camilla. The Instagram account of Prince William and Princess Kate shared a photo of Camilla engaged in her favourite pastime—reading, accompanied by the caption "Happy Birthday to Your Majesty!"[8]. Other social media posts from the royal family, including those from the official Royal Family account, received a significant amount of appreciation and well-wishes from fans and royal watchers[1][5].
Prior to her birthday, Camilla was occupied with several engagements in Devon, including a visit to a children's hospice[9]. The specifics of how she will celebrate her birthday this year are unknown.
Ray Mill House, located approximately a 15-minute drive from Prince Charles' Highgrove House estate, serves as a weekend retreat for Camilla[10]. As the patron of various reading initiatives, it's no surprise that her Wiltshire home is filled with books[7]. The photographer for the new portrait is Chris Jackson[11].
This year, as Queen Camilla celebrates her birthday, the public continues to admire her role as Queen Consort and her involvement in various charitable activities[2][3].
- Queen Camilla's birthday lifestyle includes reading books, with her Wiltshire home, Ray Mill House, filled with numerous literary works.
- On social media platforms such as Instagram and the official Royal Family account, fans and celebrities shared birthday tributes to Queen Camilla, showcasing her love for home-and-garden settings and reading.
- As Camilla's birthday comes around each year, the public looks forward to the latest portrait of the Queen Consort, which often reflects her laid-back, tropical-themed aesthetic exemplified in her clothing choices and home decor.
