CHARLES AND CAMILLA'S STARRY NIGHT

PRINCE CHARLES AND HIS WIFE THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL HELD A GALA CHARITY EVENT IN LONDON LAST WEEK AHEAD OF THEIR TOUR OF DEVON AND CORNWALL

- KIRSTY NUTKINS

It’s set to be a busy time for Prince Charles and wife Camilla as they undertake a tour of Devon and Cornwall this week – part of their annual visit to the South West. But before their schedule of engagements, the royal couple let their hair down at a glamorous fundraising event at Lancaster House last Wednesday.

A Starry Night In The Nilgiri Hills was hosted by British Asian Trust and the Elephant Family, the latter being particularly close to their hearts, as the charity was set up by Camilla’s late brother, conservationist and elephant enthusiast Mark Shand.

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall donned their finery for the lavish 280-guest gala. Camilla looked elegant in an Anna Valentine three-quarter-length tunic and trousers, accessorized with a woven clutch bag, drop earrings, and gold court heels. Charles looked smart in a navy pinstripe suit with a blue elephant patterned tie.

Charles spoke on behalf of the two charities, warning that the “increasing overlap” of the human and animal worlds is in part responsible for the rise of “deadly zoonotic diseases” like coronavirus. He said, “The last year has shown us more than ever the importance of dealing with issues like this.”