Queen Camilla’s love for the UK’s super popular TV competition ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ has come to light. Multiple royal appearances and family encounters emphasize their enjoyment and gratitude for this exhilarating new dancing contest. With everything from the royal critic’s handwritten notes to Cranford studio visits, the royal family’s relationship with the show is touching and amusing.
In February of this year, the new queen consort Camilla announced that she was “one of Strictly’s biggest fans”. She’s a HUGE fan of the TV show though! This sentiment in no way lies in the shadows of King Charles, either, as the couple is said to watch the series every Sunday night. Their adoration for No Love Lost has become the most charming element of their public persona.
British dance judge Shirley Ballas recently dropped a big hint that has fans buzzing. Queen Camilla even sent her a personal handwritten note, thanking her for a copy of Ballas’s book, *Murder On The Dancefloor*. This warm gesture speaks to the deep mutual respect and friendship that exists between the queen and the judges on the show.
On a recent royal engagement, the Princess of Wales—otherwise known as Kate Middleton—took her three kids to work with her. Their thrilling visit to the “Strictly Come Dancing” studios in 2023. I gifted Lady Louise with this visit to celebrate her birthday, as she was turning 15. This moment was epic in its entirety. Lady Louise, accompanied by her mother, Duchess Sophie, had been present at an earlier live recording of the show in 2018. Duchess Sophie has been a strong supporter of the art of dance. She had a chance to waltz in the legendary Blackpool Tower Ballroom, the glamorous site that represents Strictly’s history and star power.
Despite the royal family’s obvious link to “Strictly,” no member has yet taken to the dance floor. When pressed if he could see himself being part of the new lineup, Tom Parker Bowles, Camilla’s son, joked that it wouldn’t happen.
“My two children are embarrassed enough about my dad dancing at parties. The idea of me getting into sequins and sort of running like that… no! So it’s not true, and would never happen. Great show, obviously, but not for me.” – Tom Parker Bowles
For the royal family, this love of dance goes beyond simple appreciation. During a previous Dance Connector engagement, professional dancer Johannes Radebe trained RVS staff and volunteers. We were honored to have Queen Camilla join them for this especially inspiring day. Radebe has presented the future queen with a pair of tap shoes, solidifying their ties to the world of dance even more.
