Queen Camilla reveals heartbreaking admission during royal appearance in…
Queen Camilla has revealed she no longer has time to pursue her watercolour painting hobby during a royal visit to Northern Ireland.
The 77-year-old Queen made the admission whilst visiting Atlas Women’s Centre in Lisburn on March 19.
When shown watercolours painted by members at the centre, Camilla remarked: “I used to do it a lot but I don’t have the time now.”
The Queen, dressed in a green coat dress by Anna Valentine, was visiting the supportive space which provides adult learning, personal growth and community engagement opportunities.
Atlas Women’s Centre, which is celebrating its 14th anniversary, offers various activities including sewing, stitching, painting and music.
During her visit, Camilla heard stories from five women who participate in the centre’s Domestic Abuse & Violence Programme.
She also watched a performance by the ‘Sing, Sign, Strum’ group, who demonstrated their sign language ukulele skills with a rendition of ‘You are my sunshine’.
The Queen told the performers their display was “very professional” and joined in with a round of applause.
In the Stitching and Sewing class, Camilla met Liz Docherty, 65, who shared her story of fleeing an abusive relationship in Scotland.
“I had to get away, I wasn’t safe,” Liz told the Queen.
When Camilla asked if her life had changed, Liz replied: “Only now I can talk about it.”
The Queen responded encouragingly: “You can always use your circumstances to talk to others.
In an impromptu speech after unveiling a plaque, Camilla described Atlas as a “very happy place” and added: “I think it should be cloned.”
The Queen signed the visitor’s book but momentarily struggled with the date, asking “what is it?” before writing March 19.
Earlier in the day, Camilla and King Charles began their Northern Ireland visit in Belfast’s Commercial Court, where they met creatives and were serenaded by The Causeway Shantymen.
