With King Charles taking an extended break from official duties while he continues his treatment for cancer, Queen Camilla, 76, has stepped up to carry out a huge number of official engagements.
While the Queen is devoted to her many charities and causes - which stretch from helping victims of domestic abuse to gender equality and service animals - she has been joined by at a handful of her recent appearances by one sorely underrated royal.
Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester has been by the Queen's side several times in recent weeks - proving that this royal friendship is very special indeed.
The Duchess is the wife of King Charles' cousin once removed, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, 79, who was a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II.Though he and Birgitte are lesser known on royal radars, they are both full-time working royals who reside at Kensington Palace and support the crown through various patronages, military affiliations and official engagements.The Duke and Duchess married in 1972 and have three children - Alexander Windsor, Earl of Ulster, Lady Davina Windsor and Lady Rose Gilman.