Queen Camilla has been presented with the fan featured in her official coronation portrait during a visit to The Fan Museum's new Monarchy exhibition in Greenwich, south-east London. The visit took place on Thursday as part of her role as patron of the museum, marking the third anniversary of the King and Queen's coronation, which occurred on May 6, 2023, in Westminster Abbey.
A Special Gift for a Historic Occasion
The specially-made fan, described by the Queen as "so beautiful," includes her favourite flowers, butterflies, her birthday star constellation, and a dragonfly representing George and the Dragon. Camilla expressed her eagerness to see the creation, stating she would use it on "special occasions." The fan was crafted by Frederick Gay, France's master fan maker, and commissioned by Peter Dove, former master of The Worshipful Company of Fan Makers.
Artist Paul Benney Presents the Fan
Artist Paul Benney, whose official full-length coronation portrait of Camilla was unveiled last year and depicts her holding a closed fan, showed the new fan to the Queen. The painted fan was not part of the official coronation attire and took approximately three years to produce, making this the first time Camilla saw the creation. She told Mr Benney: "It is so beautiful. I shall use it on very special occasions. I am deeply honoured to have it. I think Paul's work is beautiful, just like the portrait." Mr Benney explained the fan's features, including the star constellations representing her birth date, to which the Queen replied: "Goodness me I would never have guessed that. I am very glad you are here to explain it to me."
Camilla's Contribution to the Museum
During her visit, Camilla also donated several fans from her personal collection to the museum, leaving "a few little spaces" at Clarence House, as she joked. She met with museum founder Helene Alexander, staff, and trustees, and unveiled a plaque in the orangery. The Queen said: "It is always a treat to come back and see Helene again, who was the reason I came here in the first place so I am delighted to have seen this exhibition and to have contributed, a couple… three of my fans here, a few little spaces left at Clarence House, I shall look forward to getting them back again. I hope everybody enjoys it as much as I have today."
Exhibition Highlights
The Fan Museum's Monarchy exhibition features around 80 fans, including items from the 18th century and pieces celebrating royalty or commemorating significant royal events. Two fans from Camilla's personal collection are on display. Camilla last visited the museum in 2015 and has been its patron since 2008. The Duchess of Gloucester, Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers, also attended the event.
