Camilla meets cast of Jilly Cooper’s Rivals on studio visit

Queen Camilla has visited the set of TV drama Rivals for a behind-the-scenes tour.

The Queen met members of the cast and crew during filming of the second series of the hit show, based on the book written by Dame Jilly Cooper, at Bristol’s Bottle Yard Studios.

During the visit on location, the Queen learnt how the production has been a boost for creative industries in the South West of England, providing training and opportunities for young people.

Victoria Smurfit, who plays Maud O’Hara in the series, said it was “lovely to have Jilly’s best friend” on set.

Dame Jilly died in October at the age of 88 after sustaining a fatal head injury during a fall at her Gloucestershire home.

Following her death, the Queen paid tribute, describing her as a “legend” and a “wonderfully witty and compassionate friend to me and so many”.

The pair were long-standing friends, and the author based her fictional seducer and showjumping lothario Rupert Campbell-Black partly on the Queen’s ex-husband Andrew Parker Bowles.

Speaking with Dame Jilly’s son, Felix Cooper, and daughter Emily Tarrant on set, the Queen expressed her sadness.

“She was such a big part of my life for such a long time. We all miss her so much.” she said.

Ms Smurfit told the BBC the Queen was “hilarious, funny and kind” after she and other cast members had tea with her on set.

The actor added the visit was partly “sad” because Jilly was meant to be present.

“We chatted about Jilly, we chatted about the show, about all the different characters, about how she binge-watched it and really loved it,” Ms Smurfit said.

“Jilly will be watching from elsewhere.”

During the visit, the Queen also toured the costume department and viewed outfits and designs, which showcase the 1980s style and fashion of the era.

Filming on the second series of Rivals began in May and the show will return with an extended 12-episode second series in 2026.