Coronavirus: Camilla joins Roald Dahl cast for star-studded James and the Giant Peach recording
"Holy cats! Send a message to the Queen at once! The country must be warned!" she says while performing her first character role.
Wednesday 27 May 2020 16:22, UK
The Duchess of Cornwall has put her storytelling skills to the test, joining a star-studded cast to record a special version of a Roald Dahl classic.
Camilla features in the latest episode of a recording of the children's story James and the Giant Peach put together by the Roald Dahl Story Company, narrated by filmmaker and actor Taika Waititi.
The series, which appears on the Roald Dahl YouTube channel is raising money for organisations helping those affected by COVID-19.
In a preview clip Her Royal Highness tells Waititi, "I'm not much of an actor", before getting into character as a ship's captain who spots a Giant Peach fly by.
Reading from the book in her first ever character role, the Duchess says: "Holy cats! Send a message to the Queen at once! The country must be warned!"
Camilla features alongside Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years a Slave, Us) and Josh Gad (Frozen, Beauty and the Beast).
Talking about her involvement, the Duchess of Cornwall said: "I hope this campaign will raise vital funds to support those most in need at this very challenging time - as well as helping families and children currently in lockdown to find a moment of comfort through the joy of reading."
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Camilla is a keen advocate of getting children into reading and supports a number of literacy charities.
She has also been a supporter of the Roald Dahl Story Company's charity work as the patron of Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity in the UK.
The online episodes of James and the Giant Peach have already featured some of the biggest names in Hollywood including Meryl Streep, Eddie Redmayne, Ryan Reynolds and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Donations made on the site will go to Partners In Health, a medical and social justice organisation fighting coronavirus and supporting public health systems in some of the most vulnerable communities around the world.
The author's grandson Luke Kelly, managing director of the Roald Dahl Story Company, said: "Our goal is to bring joy and escapism to children and families at this very tough time - but also to raise vital funds for Partners in Health who are working on the front line in the fight against COVID-19.
"The participation of Her Royal Highness is a very special moment in this campaign and we feel so privileged to have her involvement."
The Roald Dahl Story Company has said it will match $1m (£812,000) of donations, with other donors lined up for matching beyond that.