The Queen cut a cake celebrating the 25th anniversary of a “fantastic” homeless charity in style – with the aid of a sword.
Camilla deftly wielded the weapon leant by the Lord Lieutenant of Bristol as she marked the milestone of Emmaus Bristol, which works to provide accommodation and meaningful work for rough sleepers.
During her visit, the Queen, royal patron of Emmaus UK, got into the Christmas spirit by buying a donated festive plate in the charity’s shop and pulling a cracker with fellow patron Sir Terry Waite.
Peaches Golding, Lord Lieutenant of Bristol, took her sword back from the Queen and later revealed she had used it for the same purpose when celebrating her birthday on Wednesday.
Ms Golding, who is the monarch’s official representative in Bristol, said: “It’s the most enjoyable, greatest privilege serving the King, it’s just fabulous.”
She added with a laugh: “Of course I cut cakes, yesterday was my 70th birthday and I cut cakes with my sword.”
Emmaus UK has 30 communities across the country where the homeless – known as “companions” – are provided with accommodation, support and offered work in a social enterprise which helps rebuild confidence and self-esteem.
Speaking to David Watkinson, 66, who spent almost four years as a companion after living rough in a tent, Camilla said about Emmaus “well it’s such a fantastic organisation”.
Mr Watkinson said about the charity: “It gives you your self-esteem back, with me it gave me a reason to get up in the morning. When I was in the tent I didn’t care if I was up or not – Emmaus gave me a reason to go on.”
She produced a £10 note and waited a few moments for her change from Xanne Carey, head of Emmaus Bristol’s social enterprises – retail spaces, house clearance, eco-holiday pods and online shop.
Ms Carey said: “Selling to the Queen was an amazing thing to do, I never thought when I started seven years ago I would be serving the Queen.”
Camilla chatted to trustees, volunteers and companions from Emmaus Bristol in a showroom selling sofas and beds and one former homeless man broke down as he told the Queen about his experiences.
“But I think if we can, and we will with the team here, make it through the next couple of years then we’ll look to expand and get more properties.”
There was an exchange of presents before the Queen left, as she donated a large bag of chocolates, while the charity presented her with dog bowls for her two pet Jack Russell terriers, Beth and Bluebell.
