Queen Camilla Honors Jilly Cooper, Visits 'Rivals' Set as Series Gears Up for 2026 Release
December 8, 2025
The royal visit occurred amid a broader push toward a more open media approach by the monarchy, with Prince William recently engaging with media projects.
On-set tour included scenes in The Priory’s kitchen and the Mad Dog set, with light-hearted exchanges about Christmas turkey and holidays.
Production context notes Happy Prince as the production company, with studio details and sustainability credentials shaping The Bottle Yard Studios’ role in the project.
Camilla participated in a clapperboard moment on the Master Dog set and spoke with cast about on-set dynamics, joining filming in the O’Hara family kitchen.
Camilla said she read Jilly Cooper’s books and preferred uplifting entertainment to face-checking, reflecting her familiarity with the Cooper-verse.
The King’s Office released a statement about a meaningful visit following Harry’s security review, signaling potential for future family visits.
An exclusive first look at the new Master Dog set emerged as Camilla interacted with Rutshire’s canines and toured other production spaces.
Queen Camilla visited the Rivals set in Bristol to honor her late friend and co-creator Jilly Cooper, meeting cast and crew and viewing a sneak peek of the new series.
The cast features David Tennant as Lord Tony Baddingham, Victoria Smurfit as Maud O’Hara, Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black, Bella Maclean as Taggie O’Hara, Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook, and Aidan Turner as Declan.
Rivals is set in 1980s Britain’s television world in the Cotswolds, with filming on the extended 12-episode second series already underway for a 2026 Disney+ release.
Reports indicate Prince Harry has won a government review into UK security arrangements, following a long-running dispute.
Rivals’ first series, released in October 2024, became Disney+ UK’s most successful general entertainment premiere, earning 11 awards and 32 nominations, including an International Emmy nomination.
Industry reaction highlighted the show’s success and international acclaim, underscored by its awards tally and Emmy nomination.
Summary based on 31 sources
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Sources

BBC News • Dec 8, 2025
Queen Camilla meets cast and crew on Bristol's Rivals set
BBC News • Dec 8, 2025
Queen Camilla meets cast and crew on Bristol's Rivals set
