Queen Camilla has once again shown a softer and more personal side of the monarchy with a gesture that left an entire television studio stunned. Her unexpected message during the Strictly Come Dancing final quickly became one of the most talked about royal moments of the festive season.
The Queen is known to be a devoted viewer of the BBC show and her enthusiasm clearly goes far beyond polite interest. Those close to her have long said that she rarely misses an episode and follows the competition with genuine excitement.
During Saturday night’s live final Camilla delivered a royal send off that stopped the programme in its tracks. The message was revealed moments before the results were announced and was read aloud by long time judge Craig Revel Horwood.
The timing alone added to the drama as the audience and presenters had no idea what was coming next. As Craig began reading the message the atmosphere in the studio shifted instantly from anticipation to disbelief.
In her carefully chosen words Queen Camilla made it clear that Strictly Come Dancing had never been just about sequins or scorecards. Instead she praised the show for becoming a celebration of friendship resilience and shared joy.
She credited presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman with shaping the programme into a national institution. According to the Queen their warmth humour and bond on screen powered the show’s enduring appeal year after year.
Camilla went even further by describing Tess and Claudia as the finest double act the programme has ever seen. She famously spelled out her verdict calling their contribution nothing short of fab u lous.
The sign off carried the kind of warmth rarely heard in formal royal correspondence. With humour and affection she added a message that reflected her lifelong love of dance urging them to keep dancing.
As the final words were read out it became clear that Tess and Claudia had realised exactly who was behind the tribute. Their expressions shifted from confusion to emotion as the significance of the message sank in.
Discovering that the heartfelt farewell had come directly from Queen Camilla left both presenters visibly shaken. The studio fell silent as the applause erupted and the presenters blinked back tears.
Tess Daly later spoke about how deeply touched she was by the gesture. She thanked the Queen publicly and said the message meant more to them than words could ever express.
The night also featured another royal presence as Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh appeared to cheer on Ellie Goldstein. Ellie returned to the dance floor for a celebratory group routine that highlighted inclusion and joy.
Sophie who is a long standing advocate for inclusion and a patron of Mencap praised Ellie for challenging outdated perceptions. She spoke warmly about Ellie’s role in reshaping attitudes toward people with learning disabilities.
Together the appearances by Queen Camilla and the Duchess of Edinburgh highlighted a powerful theme. The monarchy is increasingly using cultural moments to connect emotionally with the public rather than relying solely on tradition.
For many viewers the Queen’s message was a reminder that royal support does not always arrive in grand ceremonies. Sometimes it comes in a few heartfelt words delivered at exactly the right moment.
