The Duchess of Cornwall attends The Chalke Valley History Festival

Published

On Monday, 20th June 2022, The Duchess of Cornwall attended The Daily Mail Chalke Valley History Festival. As part of the visit, Her Royal Highness introduced a fascinating discussion between authors, Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir, on the subject of 'Rediscovering Women in History’.

The Chalke Valley History Festival began in 2011 and is the largest festival in the world devoted entirely to history and the only festival to combine living history entertainment with literary talks and panels.

The Duchess was welcomed to the festival by a number of local dignitaries and festival organisers, before taking to the stage to say a few words, introduce the authors and officially open the festival.

The Duchess of Cornwall meets festival organisers

Through their books, they have captivated literally millions of readers across the globe, including me, and they have given a voice to women who, for centuries, have been overlooked, forgotten or misunderstood.

During a question-and-answer session with the authors, Her Royal Highness asked some questions submitted by participants of The Duchess of Cornwall's Reading Room. In 2021, as part of her campaigning for literacy, The Duchess of Cornwall launched the Reading Room, a literary hub with a mission to help readers and non-readers alike find and connect with books they will love.

The Duchess of Cornwall then took time for a tour of the festival site, viewing the traditional crafts on display, and meeting some of the performers who were bringing history to life for the festival attendees.- including the thousands of children who attended the event as part of the 'History Festival for Schools' programme. 

The Duchess of Cornwall meets craftsman

Related content

A Speech by The Queen at a Literary Reception to mark the fifth anniversary of Her Majesty's Reading Room

I find it hard to believe that it is five years since I founded it, at the height of lockdown, with the simple aim of sharing my lifelong conviction that books make life...

25 March 2026
News

Royal Maundy 2026

02 April 2026
Royal Maundy 2026

The Queen's speech at a WOW reception to mark International Women's Day

Every woman has a story. And these stories must be told. Because when we live in a culture of silence, we empower violence against women and girls.

10 March 2026
News

Commonwealth Day 2026

12 March 2026
Members of The Royal Family attend The Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Education
News

The King and Queen visit Dedham

12 February 2026
The King in Dedham

Speech delivered by The Queen during a visit to Maggie’s Cheltenham, to celebrate the charity’s 30th anniversary

I should like to end by expressing my heartfelt thanks to the whole Maggie’s community. To Maggie’s children, Lily and John, who have done so much to continue their mother’s...

21 January 2026

A message from The Queen to mark the 5th anniversary of The Queen's Reading Room

Reading truly changes how we perceive, how we think and how we connect.

08 January 2026
News

State Visit to the Holy See

23 October 2025
The King and Queen with Pope Leo
News

80th Anniversary of VJ Day

15 August 2025
VJ Day

Remarks by Her Majesty The Queen, Sponsor of HMS Astute, at a ceremony to mark the end of the submarine’s first commission, HMNB Devonport

Each time I have met your Commanding Officers and visited the submarine, I am reminded of the exceptional servicemen and women in our Royal Navy. Commanding Officers, the Ship...

17 July 2025
News

The Queen visits Devon

16 July 2025
The Queen in Devon
News

Holyrood Week 2025

02 July 2025
The KING