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Camilla Follows In The Queen's Footsteps |
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Written by Joanne Leyland
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Thursday, 23 March 2006 |
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall has joined the local Gloucestershire branch of the Women's Institute, Clarence House has announced.
 Although yet to
attend a meeting, Camilla decided to join her local branch following a
meeting with a group of WI ladies who were the real life inspiration
for the movie Calendar Girls which followed the fortunes of the ladies
as they posed almost nude to raise funds.
Although the WI was set up in 1915, a year into the First World War (1914-1918), the Royal Family's links to the self-governing body which promotes local charitable works and campaigns, only began in 1919 when King George V's wife, Queen Mary, founded the Sandringham branch.
The concept of the WI is to be a self-governing body of women from England and Wales (as well as a separate body in Scotland), their 'manifesto' being to promote and campaign on ssues of interest to women, including domestic violence and matters of health. They also encourage local projects in which women can get involved, such as cookery courses and drama.
For over 65 years
the Queen Mother was President of the WI. Following her death at the age of 101 in
March 2002, her daughter the Queen took over the Presidency of the
Sandringham WI.
Meetings between members of this branch are often hosted by the Queen in her private Sandringham home.
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Although yet to
attend a meeting, Camilla decided to join her local branch following a
meeting with a group of WI ladies who were the real life inspiration
for the movie Calendar Girls which followed the fortunes of the ladies
as they posed almost nude to raise funds.
