Duchess of Cornwall marks 75th birthday with striking new portrait

THE Duchess of Cornwall turns 75 today and has marked the occasion by releasing a new portrait at home in Wiltshire.

The striking image, with Camilla wearing a blue flowery blouse, has her sitting in front of a bowl of Prunus persica “Duke of York” peaches.

She plans to spend her birthday with a small family dinner at Prince Charles’ Highgrove estate in Tetbury, Gloucestershire.

The big occasion follows British broadcaster ITVs release of a documentary about the duchess’s stint as guest editor of Country Life, during which she helped produce a special edition celebrating the magazines 125th anniversary.

In a personal tribute, Camilla selected Charles, her husband, as one of her rural heroes.

The milestone birthday comes at a time when the monarchy, and Camilla’s place in it, are in a generational transition.

As the 96-year-old Queen Elizabeth II soldiers on during her twilight years, other members of the royal household are taking on new roles with more responsibilities.

Six months ago, in a statement marking her 70 years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II expressed her sincere wish that Camilla would be known as Queen Consort when her son succeeds her.

With those words, Elizabeth sought to answer once and for all questions about the status of Camilla, who was initially shunned by fans of the late Princess Diana, Charles first wife.