Queen Camilla Attends Service at Historic 'Journalists' Church' in Fleet Street
Queen Camilla appeared visibly amused by a suggestion that US politics is "never boring" as she participated in a special service commemorating the 650th anniversary of the Guild of St Bride. The event took place at St Bride's Church, often referred to as the "journalists' church," located in London's historic Fleet Street.
A Royal Patron Engages with Journalism Students
Dressed in a sophisticated dark green blazer and skirt ensemble, complemented by a feathered hat, the Queen joined the congregation to honour the guild's longstanding contributions. As patron of the guild, which received its royal confirmation from King Edward III in 1375, Camilla took time to greet journalism students who benefit from the guild's bursary programme.
In the church crypt, the Queen met Rozina Sabur, the national security editor at The Telegraph and a former recipient of the £4,000 bursary awarded to students studying journalism at City, University of London. When Ms Sabur mentioned her eight years covering US politics in Washington DC before assuming her current role, Camilla responded that the task sounded "very interesting," eliciting laughter from those present.
"Yes, never boring," Ms Sabur replied, to which the Queen echoed with a laugh, "Never boring." This light-hearted exchange highlighted the Queen's engaging and personable demeanour during the visit.
Supporting Aspiring Journalists Through Bursaries
Charlotte Galea, a 23-year-old from Chatham, Kent, is the latest recipient of the bursary and is currently pursuing her master's degree in journalism. Upon hearing Ms Galea's aspirations to write features or opinion pieces, Camilla offered encouraging words, saying, "I hope it goes well, I'm sure it will."
Reflecting on the surreal experience of meeting the Queen, Ms Galea shared, "I commute to uni, so I woke up this morning in my mum's house in Kent, got the bus to the train station, and I was like, 'I'm going to be meeting Her Majesty'. She was really lovely, really, really kind. Very ordinary, exactly what you would want from a royal."
Ms Galea emphasised the transformative impact of the bursary, stating, "It means everything to me. I wouldn't be able to get into journalism without it, it's so closed off to people who don't have money. It was a lifeline really. I feel so equipped to go out into the world and do the things I really want to do."
Historical Ties Between St Bride's Church and the Royal Family
St Bride's Church has maintained deep connections with the royal family over the centuries. The late Queen Elizabeth II attended its rededication service in 1957 alongside her husband, the late Duke of Edinburgh, to celebrate the church's restoration after it was bombed during the Blitz.
In 1975, King Charles III, then the Prince of Wales, participated in a service marking the guild's 600th anniversary. The church's rector, Rev Canon Dr Alison Joyce, described St Bride's as a "spiritual home" for printers and journalists, underscoring its historical significance.
The church's legacy dates back to 1500 when Wynkyn de Worde established London's first printing press adjacent to St Bride's. This innovation paved the way for national newspapers to congregate in Fleet Street, solidifying the area's reputation as the heart of British journalism.
Within the church, the Journalists' Altar serves as a poignant memorial for those in the industry who have died, are held hostage, or are missing. An annual service is held to honour and remember these individuals, highlighting the church's ongoing role in supporting the journalistic community.
