Queen Camilla, who is a massive fan of the The Archers, celebrated the BBC Radio 4 drama’s milestone moment with a beautiful message.
She couldn’t visit for the drama’s 20,000th episode but sent a message for the event in Birmingham - where the show is recorded. She previously had attended the show’s 60th anniversary in 2011.
Created by Godfrey Baseley, a BBC radio executive, the drama is the world’s longest running soap opera. It follows the residents of the fictional farming community of Ambridge.
Her Majesty The Queen sent her message to the Editor, Jeremy Howe, of The Archers. The Queen’s message was read by Louiza Patikas who plays Helen Archer.
She said: “As one of your greatest fans, and sadly unable to join you this evening, I will be thinking of you all and raising a glass to mark over a quarter of a million minutes of Archers magic from the last 72 years.
Thank you for bringing joy, companionship, laughter, tears, compassion and understanding to your audience across the globe. Here’s to the next 20,000 episodes – and, let’s hope, the end of Rob Titchener once and for all! Camilla R.” Here are seven photos of the Queen with the cast of the show over the years:
1. Queen Camilla poses with a picture of the original cast
Queen Camilla poses with a picture of the original “Archers” radio soap cast given to her during a visit to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) at New Broadcasting House on February 11, 2014 in London. (Photo by Luke MacGregor - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
2. Queen Camilla with Patricia Greene
Queen Camilla with Patricia Greene, who plays Jill Archer in the show during the Duchess’s visit to BBC Birmingham on February 16, 2011 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool via Getty Images)
3. Queen Camilla with “The Grundy’s”
Queen Camilla with “The Grundy’s” Archers actors (L-R) Emerald O’Hanranhan, who plays Emma Grundy, Trevor Harrison who plays Eddie Grundy, Rosalind Adams who plays Clarie Grundy, Rundy Philip Molloy who plays William Grundy and Becky Wright who plays Nic Hanson during the Duchess’s visit to BBC Birmingham on February 16, 2011 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool via Getty Images)
4. Queen Camilla with The Archers actress Hedli Niklaus
Queen Camilla with The Archers actress Hedli Niklaus, who plays Kathy Perks in the show during the Duchess’s visit to BBC Birmingham on February 16, 2011 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool via Getty Images)