Camilla Parker Bowles has a secret way of staying in shape these days, and it involves dance classes with friends.
Earlier this week, the Duchess of Cornwall was unveiled as vice-patron of the Royal Academy of Dance, of which Queen Elizabeth is patron. In honor of her new role, which she revealed was ‘“no hardship for me” when asked, the 72-year-old took part in a video chat with dancer Dame Darcey Bussell and broadcaster Angela Rippon.
During the call (shot from Camilla’s home in Birkhall) the trio discussed the Silver Swans ballet class and the importance of dance for the mental health and wellbeing of people of all ages. The duchess also opened up about her time taking the class, which she originally thought was just going to be “a lot of ancient people wobbling about.”
“I thought it was going to be very funny and I was going to laugh at everybody toppling over next door to me, but I think we concentrate so hard we don’t even know what our friend next door is doing,” she said in the clip. “When I stand there I think to myself, ‘Drop your shoulders, breathe deeply, don’t hunch.' It’s those sorts of things which you have ingrained in your memory."
Prince Charles’s wife also revealed that she and some of her gal pals have participated in the dance sessions in London.
“I got a group of ancient friends together and the four of us sort of clatter around, and when we’re in London, we do it once a week and it makes all the difference,” she continued. And due to the current coronavirus pandemic, the classes are now being made available online.
Camilla, if you’re reading this, can you let us know which class you sign up for? We’d like to practice our pliés too