Queen Camilla appeared in good spirits today as she stepped out in Bath to celebrate the 850th anniversary of the St John’s Foundation.
The King’s wife, 76, was greeted by hundreds of excited schoolchildren after visiting the charity’s court at the Chapel of St Michael Within, which is in the courtyard of St John.
The radiant queen wrapped up warm in a navy blue coat, leather gloves and chic knee-high boots, adding a pop of vibrant color to her look with a brightly patterned scarf and a dazzling set of earrings.
Earlier in the day, Camilla, who became patron of the St. John’s Foundation in 2009, seemed happy to chat with the older residents of the courtyard over a cup of tea.
Yesterday, the Queen said the King is “getting by” and “doing the best he can” after his three-night stay in hospital. She was asked how her husband was doing as she opened a new Maggie’s Cancer Support Center at the Royal Free Hospital in London.
Queen Camilla smiles as she meets well-wishers during St John’s Foundation 850th anniversary celebrations
The King was discharged from the London Clinic on Monday after undergoing a successful procedure for an enlarged prostate, and appeared in good spirits as he left the hospital with his wife by his side.
Originally founded as a medieval retreat, St John’s Foundation provides accommodation and support for older adults and works with children to ensure they have the best start in life.
The Queen was greeted today by the Lord Lieutenant; the charity’s chairman, Ben Fletcher; and CEO, David Hobdey.
She then made her way to the 16th century Chapel of St Michael Within, which is located in the courtyard of St John’s and is home to 40 of the charity’s 94 almshouses for older adults.
In the chapel, Her Majesty was joined by around nine residents of the charity over a cup of tea.
The Queen then met members of the public before attending a celebration service at Bath Abbey.
Outside, she was greeted by almost 900 schoolchildren from seven primary schools, who have been supported by St John’s since the Foundation Fund was established in 2020.
At the Abbey, Her Majesty was welcomed by St John’s Reverend, Jacky Wise; the Rector of Bath Abbey, the Reverend Canon Guy Bridgewater; and the Right Reverend Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath and Wells.
The king’s wife, 76, was greeted today by hundreds of excited schoolchildren
Queen Camilla meets members of the public ahead of attending a celebration service at Bath Abbey
Queen Camilla is welcomed by Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset Mohammed Saddiq during a visit to the St John’s Foundation Courts at the Chapel of St Michael Within
The King’s wife, 76, wrapped warmly in a navy blue coat, leather gloves and chic knee-high boots for her visit to the charity’s court at the Chapel of St Michael Within, which is in the courtyard of St John
The radiant Camilla, who became patron of the St. John’s Foundation in 2009, seemed eager to have a chat with the older residents of the courtyard over a cup of tea
Queen Camilla meets residents of the St John’s Foundation almshouse in the chapel of St Michael Within
Queen Camilla will be welcomed today by Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset Mohammed Saddiq
Adding a pop of vibrant color to her look, she opted for a brightly patterned scarf and a dazzling set of earrings
During the service, the Voices for Life choir, consisting of ninety group 4 students, sang ‘A Million Dreams’ and ‘Sing’.
The choir was formed for the occasion, bringing together children from six local schools that St John’s supports. One of the residents of the Sint-Janshuis also gave a lecture.
During the service, Her Majesty unveiled a memorial plaque, which will then be placed in the courtyard of Chapel Court.
The Queen last saw the work of St John’s Foundation during a visit to Roundhill Primary School in February 2022.
As one of Britain’s oldest charities, it proudly serves Bath and the surrounding area. In 2020, St John’s launched its Foundation Fund, which aims to ensure that every child under the age of 12 can grow up healthy, happy and well-educated.
In addition, the charity continues its long-standing work providing housing and outreach services to older people.
By meeting the needs of underserved young people, St John’s aims to change the direction of children’s lives so that the charity will no longer be needed when they are older.