Duchess of Gloucester joins Queen to celebrate centuries-old royal craft

Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester along with Queen Camilla attended the opening of the Monarchy exhibition at The Fan Museum on Thursday.

The special exhibition celebrates the rich history of royal fans and decorative artistry, featuring around 80 extraordinary pieces, from delicate 18th-century designs to commemorative fans marking historic royal milestones and coronations.

Camilla and the Duchess toured the exhibition side by side, pausing to admire the intricate craftsmanship and historical details behind the collection. 

The outing also highlighted the enduring royal connection to traditional fan-making, a centuries-old art form preserved through organisations such as the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers.

The Duchess of Gloucester, who has served as a Liveryman of the company since 2005, appeared especially engaged with the displays.

During the visit, the royal pair met museum founder Helene Alexander, as well as members of the Fan Makers’ company, discussing the importance of preserving specialist craftsmanship in the modern era. 

The museum itself is dedicated entirely to the history and culture of hand fans as one of the few institutions of its kind in the world.