Queen Camilla surprised royal watchers and fashion critics alike at the 2025 Cliveden Literary Festival, making an uncharacteristically bold style choice with a forest green gown featuring striking sheer leopard-print sleeves, a significant departure from her typically classic wardrobe.
On October 11, 2025, Queen Camilla turned heads and sparked conversations by stepping out in an unexpectedly daring ensemble at the prestigious Cliveden Literary Festival in Windsor, England. Known for her refined and understated sartorial choices, the 78-year-old royal opted for a sophisticated forest green gown paired with a distinctive element: sheer leopard-print sleeves. This bold fashion statement immediately drew attention, signifying a refreshing shift in her public style.
An Uncharacteristically Bold Ensemble
The centerpiece of Queen Camilla’s festival look was a glamorous forest green gown. However, it was the sheer, long-sleeved leopard-print top worn underneath that truly elevated the outfit beyond her conventional aesthetic. The partially see-through fabric, coupled with a collared neckline peeking from beneath the green dress, offered a playful yet elegant twist, suggesting a growing confidence and willingness to experiment with fashion norms for a royal consort.
Her choice of accessories further complemented the ensemble, adding a touch of personal flair without overshadowing the main statement. These included a gold brooch shaped like a tiara, strategically pinned to her collar, and a pair of elegant dangling gold hoop earrings. She completed her look with a small brown leather handbag and matching leather heeled shoes, maintaining a polished finish despite the bolder print.
The Prestigious Cliveden Literary Festival
The Cliveden Literary Festival is an esteemed event that brings together prominent authors, thinkers, and literary enthusiasts. Held at the historic Cliveden House, the festival celebrates the power of words and ideas. Camilla’s role in inaugurating the 2025 festival underscored the Royal Family’s continued patronage of the arts and literature, a tradition deeply embedded in British culture. The event also included a reception for authors, charity partners, and students from the London Academy of Excellence, highlighting its broader educational and community impact.
A Touching Tribute to Dame Jilly Cooper
Beyond the fashion headlines, Queen Camilla’s appearance at the festival was marked by a poignant tribute to her late friend, the beloved author Dame Jilly Cooper. Known affectionately as the “queen of the bonk buster” for her vivacious and often scandalous novels, Cooper passed away on October 5, 2025, at the age of 88. Camilla used her speech to share a fond, witty anecdote about Cooper, endearing herself to the audience and honoring a vibrant literary spirit.
Addressing the attendees, the Queen recalled a memorable moment with Cooper at Cliveden House, quoting her friend’s immortal line: “I’m going to get absolutely plastered tonight, darling. I love you so much, I want to see two of you.” Camilla concluded her tribute with a heartfelt sentiment, saying, “Dear Jilly…how we’d love to have seen just one of you here with us today,” as reported by The Daily Mail. This personal touch resonated deeply, connecting the literary event to the human stories behind the words.
The Significance of a Style Shift
For royal observers and fashion enthusiasts, Queen Camilla’s choice of leopard print is more than just a momentary whim. It signifies a potential evolution in her public persona and a willingness to embrace modern fashion trends while still adhering to royal decorum. Her previous style has been largely characterized by classic silhouettes, muted colors, and timeless elegance, making this animal print a stark, yet sophisticated, departure. It suggests an injection of fun and personality, perhaps reflecting a comfort in her role as Queen Consort.
This bold step might also be seen as a subtle nod to the vibrancy and unconventional spirit of Dame Jilly Cooper herself. Cooper, a writer who challenged norms and celebrated life with gusto, might indeed have approved of such an “approved” style choice, making Camilla’s outfit a fitting, albeit indirect, homage. As noted by Parade, this was an “uncharacteristically bold” move for the Queen.
Cliveden’s Literary Tapestry
The backdrop of Cliveden House itself holds significant literary history, adding another layer of context to the event. As Queen Camilla highlighted in her speech, the estate has hosted and inspired numerous literary giants. From Rudyard Kipling to Henry James and Edith Wharton, Cliveden’s grounds have fueled creative minds. It’s also praised in Jerome K. Jerome’s “Three Men in a Boat” and is believed to have inspired Kenneth Grahame’s “The Wind in the Willows.” Even the mention of Ian Fleming’s “Vesper martini,” a favorite of Jilly Cooper, ties the historical venue directly to the literary figures being celebrated.
This rich heritage makes Cliveden an ideal setting for a festival dedicated to literature, and Queen Camilla’s presence and personal tribute reinforced the deep connection between the monarchy and the literary world.
A Royal Presence Without the King
Notably, Queen Camilla attended this key literary event without her husband, King Charles III. This solo appearance further underscores her growing independent role and confidence in fulfilling royal duties. Her engagement with the festival, from delivering a powerful speech to hosting a reception, demonstrated her dedication to promoting arts and culture on her own terms.
The Cliveden Literary Festival served as a platform not only for celebrating literature but also for revealing a nuanced, more adventurous side of Queen Camilla’s public persona. Her unexpected leopard-print choice will undoubtedly be remembered as a moment that blended royal tradition with a touch of contemporary flair, resonating with both fashion critics and admirers of her evolving role.
