Queen Camilla reveals her 'hope' over King Charles in special unveiling
Queen Camilla unveiled the tribute to the king at Westminster Abbey
Queen Camilla made an appearance at Westminster Abbey today as she officially unveiled the foundation stone for the new King Charles III Sacristy – a tribute to the monarch that will reshape the historic site for generations to come.
The unveiling took place on the north side of the Abbey, where the new building is being constructed on the footprint of the medieval Great Sacristy.
Camilla removed a red cloth from the commemorative engraving and shared a few candid words with the guests.
Queen Camilla unveils tribute to King Charles
“I just want to say how delighted I am to unveil this foundation stone,” she said. “I can’t believe that last time I visited here that there is now a floor. Last time I came, there were quite a lot of skeletons!”
Camilla’s remark referred to the discovery of medieval human remains during the site’s excavation.
The remains were believed to be of monks from centuries ago. However, the discovery temporarily delayed construction until a protective layer was added to resume work.
She continued: “I just hope that in 2026, when it is due to finish, that God willing, my husband and I will be back here again to open the King Charles III Sacristy.”
Among the guests was British TV presenter and Abbey ambassador Alan Titchmarsh, who shared a warm moment with the queen.
“Hello Alan, it’s either in the garden or at Westminster Abbey, and Chelsea next week!” Camilla joked, referring to the upcoming Chelsea Flower Show.
Alan oversaw the installation of a fountain in the Abbey cloisters in 2018. He described the project as transformative.
He said: “You know what it’s like with a building project. As soon as you find bones, everything stopped. So it’s just such an exciting development. It’s going to free up space in here, and put this back to a proper, fully functioning place of worship, just making the space available. I think it adds to the experience of coming in.”
King Charles III Sacristy
The new King Charles III Sacristy will house welcome, security and ticketing facilities, allowing the Abbey itself to be preserved solely for sacred use.
Designed by architect Ptolemy Dean, the structure will mirror the Abbey’s Gothic architecture. It will also serve as a vital staging area for major church and state processions.
The Duke of Buccleuch, High Steward of the Abbey, called it “a very special occasion”.
I just hope that in 2026, when it is due to finish, that God willing, my husband and I will be back here again to open the King Charles III Sacristy.
“The unveiling of a foundation stone [at the Abbey] by a member of the royal family has been recorded only on two occasions,” he noted. “By King Henry III 805 years ago, almost to the day on the 16th rather than the 14th of May, and then in 2016 when His Majesty unveiled the foundation stone of the Tower and the Jubilee Galleries.”
After the ceremony, Camilla visited inside the Abbey to greet the conservation and visitor services staff.
Camilla’s appearance also came at a sensitive time for the royal family.
Earlier this month, Prince Harry had an emotional interview with the BBC. The Duke of Sussex voiced his desire for reconciliation with his father, King Charles.
The king has not publicly responded.
Read more: How Queen Camilla’s bond with Princess Anne has changed over the years
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