The Duchess of Cornwall celebrated her 70th birthday on Monday, 17 July 2017 with two events.
However, most 70-year-olds would be thinking about retirement, rather than working, as the Duchess of Cornwall is prepared to take on a new role as Patron of The Silver Line.
The Duchess will lend her experience to a help line to combat loneliness and to become an influential voice for older people.
Prince Charles had spoken out last week about the forgotten would-be workers over 50 who struggle to find employment.
Prince Charles and the Duchess were said to have celebrated her birthday privately, following a lavish party at Highgrove for 250 family and friends on Saturday, 15 July.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry were among the guests whilst the Queen and Prince Philip remained at home following the recent Spanish State Visit.
However, the Duchess’s own family were present, including her son Tom Parker-Bowles and daughter Laura Lopes, her sister Annabel Elliot and her ex-husband Andrew Parker-Bowles.
Clarence House released a new photograph of Camilla and Prince Charles taken by renowned photographer Mario Testino to mark the occasion.
The photograph was taken in May in the Morning Room at Clarence House.
Mario Testing said he was honoured to document their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall on this every important date.
“I first photographed the Duchess after her wedding to the Princess on a commission from British Vogue in 2006, and discovered a kind and beautiful person with a wonderful sense of humour.”
He was Diana Princess of Wales’ favourite photographer and he has taken pictures of Prince Charles and his sons, the Duke of Cambridge, and Prince Harry – several times. He has also taken photos of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and their children, George and Charlotte.
Mario Testino was among several hundred guests who were invited to a Clarence House garden reception on Thursday, 13 July, to acknowledge those whom the Duchess works with, including former Royal household staff, celebrities and charity leaders.
Then again, a royal event would not be complete without at least one republic supporter turning up. This time it was Australian author Kathy Lette.
Another guest, Dame Esther Rantzen announced the Duchess would be the patron of her charity, The Silver Line.
Dame Esther said, “The Duchess has an understanding and empathy for older people who are so often forgotten and undervalued in today’s busy world.”
“She cares about them, and values them as we do.”
Later Clarence House released another photo of the Duchess, taken in the garden at Clarence House, thanking well-wishers for their birthday messages.
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