The Essex Rose Tea House in Dedham was buzzing with excitement as King Charles and Queen Camilla filled the air with laughter and a very royal sweetness.
Staff couldn’t hide their smiles as the pair moved through the tearoom, shaking hands, talking about the team’s dedication and asking how long they had been part of the community hub.
At the heart of the room, a spectacular cake shaped like a book celebrated the occasion with the inscription: “Marking the visit of King Charles and Queen Camilla. 25 years at The Essex Rose in Dedham. 140 years of Jam Making at Tiptree.”
Watching the royals cut the cake was pure delight, especially when Camilla pretended to scold and Charles responded with a booming laugh.
The couple made a point of meeting nearly 100 special guests and taking time to hear about their work.
Essex Wildlife Trust and PACE Manningtree, which focused on environmental efforts, received particularly warm handshakes.
Rich Yates, chief executive of the Trust, said: “The King has been a leader in the community for 50 years. It’s a real privilege to have the chance to meet him.”
Queen Camilla met with representatives from Next Chapter, a domestic violence charity born out of Colchester Women’s Aid in 1977.
Workers shared how busy the charity has been and thanked her for advocacy.
“I really think that’s why I brought it up,” reflected the Queen. “The more you get people talking about it, the better.”
