Queen Camilla gasps ‘I can’t believe it!’ as she makes Antiques Roadshow history with first-of-its-kind item
QUEEN Camilla gasped ‘I can’t believe it!’ as she made Antiques Roadshow history with a first-of-its-kind item.
The Royal appeared on Sunday’s episode, which as filmed at the Eden Project.
In one of her last appearances as the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla brought along a silver snuff box.
She told Antiques Roadshow expert Duncan Campbell: “I wanted to bring along something that was associated with Cornwall.
“And of course, it doesn’t exist now but in those days there was a silver mine here.”
Duncan said: “It’s an absolute treasure, there is an inscription inside which tells us all about it.
“The inside’s beautifully gilded, like the day it was made.
“The man who made it is a man called John Northam, who has various boxes that were made for Prince Regent back in 1800 to 1820.
“He was a hugely skilful craftsman and an extraordinary man. And this is just a treasure.”
He then delighted Camilla by revealing: “In all my years in silver, it’s the first bit of silver I’ve ever seen that’s made out of English silver.”
She replied with shock: “Is it? I can’t believe that.”
Duncan said: “It’s absolutely true, I’m so thrilled to see it.”
Camilla then pointed out: “I suppose we’re not known for our silver, are we? It’s got a nice sort of heavy feel about it. hasn’t it?”
Duncan continued: “It’s lovely, in every way it’s lovely. The front piece is really difficult to make, but John Northam was a very skilful fella.
“And I am just thrilled to see it – I’m so grateful for you sharing it.”
Camilla said: “Well, I’m so delighted that I’ve actually brought something that you’ve never seen before.”
Antiques Roadshow airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.