The Duchess of Cornwall today spoke about royal tours at the end of the Middle Eastern visit.
Talking about going back on the road, Camilla said: “Actually after the initial shock of the first day, getting decked up again, it’s been rather nice.
“You never think you are going to, but haven’t been doing things. So it’s quite strange to up sticks and here we are again.”
She added: “We are not on holiday. We might be dressed up and photographed against the pyramids like tourists but we are not on holiday.
“We are working for the Government and country and we are trying to make a difference. Jordan has been a great ally for a hundred years and we want to celebrate this. And Egypt, everyone is so friendly.
“Those children today, they were so sweet and well-mannered. They asked questioned and they obviously loved their reading. There was real joy.”
She went on: “I’ve read it so many times too that I hardly needed the book, but mine are all so old and grown up now.”
Talking about the highlight of the tour she said: “Well for me, I think actually the baptism site. It was extraordinary, something you read about. To actually go down there, you know, and experience it. It was really quite spiritual.
“It was very slippery, but you know it was a surreal moment and very spiritual. I think that does stand out for me but everything was so remarkable. It was quite tough, we were driving a lot….and it was pretty bumpy.
Camilla reflected upon her first visit to Egypt 16 years ago.
“I’m a lot older now, well into my 70s, but to quote Richard Ingram, we’ve still got a snap in our celery.
“I have thought about that. I did the oldies luncheon, it is so true. I like to think we’ve still got a snap our celery. It’s such a good expression. I think about it every time. The snap going off,” she added.
