She’s a traditionalist! Camilla shows off her old-school taste

The Duchess of Cornwall has always had a soft spot for tradition. Source: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire via Getty Images

The Duchess of Cornwall has been enjoying the more traditional points of life lately, indulging in pearl accessories and even paying a visit to the Royal School of Needlework (RSN) at the Hampton Court Palace to learn the art of hand embroidery from the best in the business. 

Earlier this week, Camilla presided over a party for essay competition winners from around the Commonwealth, and attended a commemorative service at the St Bide’s Church, turning to simple, classic glamour for her outfit choice. 

The Duchess donned a simple black jacket over a silky black dress, black tights and sensible-height black court shoes for the do, but added a touch of old-school glam with an impressive multi-strand pearl necklace and matching pearl drop earrings.

The four-strand pearl necklace has been worn by Queen Elizabeth herself, as well as by Princess Diana. 

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Patron, the Guild of St Bride, attended a commemorative service at St Bide’s Church. Source: Arthur Edwards – WPA Pool via Getty Images

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The serve at St Bide’s Church commemorated journalists, camera-crew and support staff who have lost their lives on the frontline. 

Camilla is the patron of the Guild of St Bide. Source: Arthur Edwards – WPA Pool via Getty Images

Camilla also learnt the art of hand embroidery from the best in the business with a visit to the Royal School of Needlework at the Hampton Court Palace.

Wearing a forest-green dress with a statement white collar and cuffs, Camilla looked in awe of the intricate detail, donning her glasses to take a closer look. Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, was also along for the visit as the Royal School of Needlework’s president. 

The official Clarence House Instagram account uploaded a series of photos of the visit. Camilla’s role as patron of the Royal School of Needlework is still fairly new, as she took over from Queen Elizabeth in January of this year. 

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“Did you know @RoyalNeedlework helped create the bespoke lace on The Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding dress?” the caption on the images reads. 

The Royal School of Needlework posted its own series of images to its Instagram account, and gave a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the visit on its Instagram “story”, which is only available for a 24-hour period.

The Instagram account even shared a short video of Camilla being tutored in hand embroidery by staff at the Royal School of Needlework. According to the Instagram post, the Duchess was trying her hand at Fly Stitch, “one of the first stitches learnt for the Jacobean Crewelwork technique”. 

Did you learn embroidery when you were younger? Do you think it’s a skill people should still be taught?