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Camilla makes surprising royal acting debut

The Duchess of Cornwall has added her name to the list of acting royals, alongside husband Prince Charles and Meghan, as she lends her voice to a retelling of James and the Giant Peach.

Camilla has joined a star-studded cast, led by Thor director Taika Waititi, for her first character role since she joined the royal family.

The 72-year-old duchess played the ship’s captain who spots the giant peach flying overhead.

“Holy cats! Send a message to the Queen at once! The country must be warned!” she reads.

Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o, actor and comedian Josh Gad are in the same episode, narrated by Academy Award-nominated Waititi.

Meryl Streep, Ryan Reynolds, and Benedict Cumberbatch have also appeared in some of the other episodes.

In a short clip of the duchess released by The Roald Dahl Story Company, Waititi speaks to comedian Gad about who else he has got in the episode, and the camera cuts to Camilla.

She tells Waititi “I’m not much of an actor” before they delve into the story.

Camilla read from James and the Giant Peach in her first character role. (Clarence House/Roald Dahl Story Company)
Camilla read from James and the Giant Peach in her first character role. (Clarence House/Roald Dahl Story Company)

James and Giant Peach, with Taika and Friends is raising money for Partners In Health, a medical and social justice organisation working on the coronavirus response in vulnerable communities.

“I hope this campaign will raise vital funds to support those most in need at this very challenging time – as well as helping families and children currently in lockdown to find a moment of comfort through the joy of reading,” the Duchess of Cornwall said.

Camilla is a patron of Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity and her passion for reading is evident in much of her royal work.

Earlier this month she joined David Walliams on a video call to chat about the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay competition. And she also shared her favourite books to inspire people to read during lockdown.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 09:  Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attends the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 on March 09, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Camilla clearly enjoyed her on screen moment. Photo: Getty

While the duchess may not have much of an acting background, her husband Prince Charles certainly does, as he was part of drama societies at university.

And of course Meghan, now the Duchess of Sussex, was best known for her role as Rachel Zane in Suits.

Luke Kelly, managing director of The Roald Dahl Story Company said: “Our goal is to bring joy and escapism to children and families at this very tough time – but also to raise vital funds for Partners in Health who are working on the front line in the fight against COVID-19.

“The participation of Her Royal Highness is a very special moment in this campaign and we feel so privileged to have her involvement – we know parents and children in lockdown all over the world are going to love this episode and we look forward to revealing further surprises in due course.”

The episode is now live on YouTube.

With reporting by Rebecca Taylor.

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